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.
Staring at the sidewalk, there's a crack in which a flower grows
Reminded me of somebody not hangin' around here anymore
And everything is so pretty
Pretty fucked up, obvious
When you call me from the other side to tell me everything is fine and I will always love even when your eyes are fading
And if they catch you, I will save you, I will get you out
And this, what about this?
Is it anything at all, is it a growing cancer in your heart
And this life I don't have a clue
But when they told you not to worry, didn't it bother you?
Well all that's very nice but this is the song against life
Where do all these people come from,
Where do all these words belong?
A never-ending bible, everything they say is our command
And everybody wants the same, everybody here wants nothing,
Grow up to be a millionaire is all there is
Well all that's very nice but this is the song against life
He goes out in the kitchen, he goes there every second
And your plastic father said:
"It's just too boring standing here all day"
And went out for a lover
Or a new world to discover
And the watertower threw its shadow over your house
And this, what about this? is it anything at all?
Is it a growing cancer in your heart?
And this life I don't have a clue
But when they told you not to worry, didn't it bother you?
Well all that's very nice
But this is the song against life
Reminded me of somebody not hangin' around here anymore
And everything is so pretty
Pretty fucked up, obvious
When you call me from the other side to tell me everything is fine and I will always love even when your eyes are fading
And if they catch you, I will save you, I will get you out
And this, what about this?
Is it anything at all, is it a growing cancer in your heart
And this life I don't have a clue
But when they told you not to worry, didn't it bother you?
Well all that's very nice but this is the song against life
Where do all these people come from,
Where do all these words belong?
A never-ending bible, everything they say is our command
And everybody wants the same, everybody here wants nothing,
Grow up to be a millionaire is all there is
Well all that's very nice but this is the song against life
He goes out in the kitchen, he goes there every second
And your plastic father said:
"It's just too boring standing here all day"
And went out for a lover
Or a new world to discover
And the watertower threw its shadow over your house
And this, what about this? is it anything at all?
Is it a growing cancer in your heart?
And this life I don't have a clue
But when they told you not to worry, didn't it bother you?
Well all that's very nice
But this is the song against life
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