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.
Every time that I hear a woman cry 'cause her man has left her flat
I just feel like saying, "Don't be such a fool, you fool"
Better dry your eyes, can't you realize you gain nothing by that?
Well, that's no way to keep his heart warm, baby
When his love grows cool
What's the use in sighing? What's the use in crying?
If he's wandered off the track
'Cause if your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back, no
You might as well be cheerful, there's no use being tearful
If he's given you the sack
'Cause if your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back
Now, listen, if sweet sugar kissin' isn't gonna make him come home
Tell me, how do ya hope to keep him to ya with tears instead of song
Just be a normal fella, come on, say, "What the hell-a"
Get his clothes and help him to pack
'Cause if your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back
Love is like home cooking, good and wholesome
But all men need some mutton on the outside now and then
If you find your boy is cheating, do the same, old dear
He's only giving you the chance that you've been waiting for for years
My goodness! Tears won't get you anything, just a shiny red nose
Go on, paint up, powder up, put on your swellest clothes
Men, go and get 'em by the score, neglected girls shouldn't worry
That's what God made sailors for
Don't cry for him or chase him, just go out and replace him
With some good looking Tom, Dick or Jack
'Cause if your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back
If your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back
I just feel like saying, "Don't be such a fool, you fool"
Better dry your eyes, can't you realize you gain nothing by that?
Well, that's no way to keep his heart warm, baby
When his love grows cool
What's the use in sighing? What's the use in crying?
If he's wandered off the track
'Cause if your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back, no
You might as well be cheerful, there's no use being tearful
If he's given you the sack
'Cause if your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back
Now, listen, if sweet sugar kissin' isn't gonna make him come home
Tell me, how do ya hope to keep him to ya with tears instead of song
Just be a normal fella, come on, say, "What the hell-a"
Get his clothes and help him to pack
'Cause if your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back
Love is like home cooking, good and wholesome
But all men need some mutton on the outside now and then
If you find your boy is cheating, do the same, old dear
He's only giving you the chance that you've been waiting for for years
My goodness! Tears won't get you anything, just a shiny red nose
Go on, paint up, powder up, put on your swellest clothes
Men, go and get 'em by the score, neglected girls shouldn't worry
That's what God made sailors for
Don't cry for him or chase him, just go out and replace him
With some good looking Tom, Dick or Jack
'Cause if your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back
If your kisses won't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back
Lyrics submitted by artoseybycy
If Your Kisses Can't Hold the Man You Love Lyrics as written by Vivian Ellis Jack Yellen
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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Great version of a great song,
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