The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Why is it all these fakers, seem to make the morning papers?
They're selling records by the million, seems so easy in my opinion,
Look at the Jazz Star, he really needs some guts
Playing from seven to midnight, surviving on peanuts
Selling records by the dozen
Probably sold his tenor to make 'em
With artwork designed by his brother
And liner notes by his mother
Told what to do, miming to a tape
While a team of experts make sure you're looking great
Taking a limo to your own private bar
My God! I want to be a popstar!
Going to get on the T.V and go on dates with only the pretty
Maybe next year I'll pretend to be gay
I'll sell more records in a flash that way
Makes no difference if i look like a nut
Every kid in the world is going to copy my haircut
I'll advertise some trainers, maybe even a car
Product placement will gurantee I'm a star
An ugly guy will write my songs
Surley there is nothing wrong
Retiring when I'm 22
With a house a car and nothing to do
Instantaneous satisfaction it will be
Got no need for artistic credibility
With this attitude I'm bound to go far
My God! I want to be a popstar!
Where's the middle ground?
It's hard to make a living with you own true sound
What road am I going to tread?
What the hell would i do instead?
There may be no tours in Roma, or drug-induced designer coma
No teenage girls when show is over, I prefer my women older
Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about
Sometimes it would be nice to play a place and sell out
Driving to a gig in my brand new sports car
My God! I want to be a popstar!
Maybe its too easy, to move so quickly so far
Who wants to be a popstar?
They're selling records by the million, seems so easy in my opinion,
Look at the Jazz Star, he really needs some guts
Playing from seven to midnight, surviving on peanuts
Selling records by the dozen
Probably sold his tenor to make 'em
With artwork designed by his brother
And liner notes by his mother
Told what to do, miming to a tape
While a team of experts make sure you're looking great
Taking a limo to your own private bar
My God! I want to be a popstar!
Going to get on the T.V and go on dates with only the pretty
Maybe next year I'll pretend to be gay
I'll sell more records in a flash that way
Makes no difference if i look like a nut
Every kid in the world is going to copy my haircut
I'll advertise some trainers, maybe even a car
Product placement will gurantee I'm a star
An ugly guy will write my songs
Surley there is nothing wrong
Retiring when I'm 22
With a house a car and nothing to do
Instantaneous satisfaction it will be
Got no need for artistic credibility
With this attitude I'm bound to go far
My God! I want to be a popstar!
Where's the middle ground?
It's hard to make a living with you own true sound
What road am I going to tread?
What the hell would i do instead?
There may be no tours in Roma, or drug-induced designer coma
No teenage girls when show is over, I prefer my women older
Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about
Sometimes it would be nice to play a place and sell out
Driving to a gig in my brand new sports car
My God! I want to be a popstar!
Maybe its too easy, to move so quickly so far
Who wants to be a popstar?
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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The lyrics say it all. How come all these people who really aren't that talented making so much money when those with reall amazing talent are sitting there struggling to make a carer of themselves? I love this song. It's got a lot of truth to it.
to be hones he is talented in his own way. he may be not the best singer, but he is a real entertainer/character. he makes people feel like he lives for his music (i don´t dout that it´s true). he´s passionate and you can feel his energy during a gig or even on dvd. i think he´s got the whole package. and for all i know he could have been performing all different kind of music, but in the end he was most succesful in jazz. he made jazz more approachable for younger people to listen jazz and to make jazz.