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.
Punctured bicycle on a hillside desolate
Will nature make a man of me yet?
When in this charming car
This charming man
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?
I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said, "It's gruesome
That someone so handsome should care"
A jumped-up pantry boy who never knew his place
He said, "Return the ring"
He knows so much about
He knows so much about these things
And I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
Oh, yeah
This man said, "It's gruesome
That someone so handsome should care"
Will nature make a man of me yet?
When in this charming car
This charming man
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?
I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said, "It's gruesome
That someone so handsome should care"
A jumped-up pantry boy who never knew his place
He said, "Return the ring"
He knows so much about
He knows so much about these things
And I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
Oh, yeah
This man said, "It's gruesome
That someone so handsome should care"
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I love this song simply because it's sounds so relaxing yet it talks about a clash of lifestyles.
I assume the main protagonist is the handsome female. She lives a ordinary life whereas the Gentleman lives amongst the extraordinaire, as he comes from a wealthy background. Forget life's complexities (wealth, labor, education, etc) when you can enjoy yourself; presume she enjoys to be with the wealthy man. The observation over the pantry boy reveals the Gentleman's POV of status. He points out that the pantry boy steps out of place by somewhat scolding the couple regarding the rings. How does this relate to the female? She lives a similar life to that boy and can probably empathize but she disregards any of it as she currently is "living the lifestyle" so to speak, as she throws away the world's complexities; enjoy now, care later.
My interpretation.