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.
This day I completed my 31st year
I reflected I had done very little indeed
To further the happiness of the human race
Or to advance the information of the succeeding generation
I viewed with regret the many hours I’ve spent
In indolence, and now soarly feel the want
Of that information which those hours would have given me
Had they been judiciously expended
Hey, have you been judiciously expended?
Guess it’s all a part of something Bigger than One
Guess it’s all a part of something Bigger than One
I dash from me the gloomy thought
And resolve, in future, to redouble my exertions
Nature and fortune, they have shown on me
And I will shine on them
And I will shine on them
Yeah I will shine on them
And I will shine on them
Cause in the future I will live
Cause in the future I will live
Cause in the future I will live for mankind
As I, have heretofore lived for myself
I reflected I had done very little indeed
To further the happiness of the human race
Or to advance the information of the succeeding generation
I viewed with regret the many hours I’ve spent
In indolence, and now soarly feel the want
Of that information which those hours would have given me
Had they been judiciously expended
Hey, have you been judiciously expended?
Guess it’s all a part of something Bigger than One
Guess it’s all a part of something Bigger than One
I dash from me the gloomy thought
And resolve, in future, to redouble my exertions
Nature and fortune, they have shown on me
And I will shine on them
And I will shine on them
Yeah I will shine on them
And I will shine on them
Cause in the future I will live
Cause in the future I will live
Cause in the future I will live for mankind
As I, have heretofore lived for myself
Lyrics submitted by BlueAndStarry
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