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.
another gun for hire and just another day
when you are done, you just abuse it, whatever you say
if you were offered some, would you wanna bite the hand?
would you betray a friend to prove you're cold then walk away?
we were born with nothin' I don't want, but you need something
you want glory, I need none and it's coming between us
people are born with
people are born without
some people have
and others want
what some go without
some people live free
some people just want more
as for me I got all that I need
do you still think that we're not brave if we don't bleed?
we've seen so much blood and violence already, how much do you need?
you howl and fight your war and talk of being free
won't let you in, they're just usin' you so why won't you see?
some people are born so much closer to the sun
holdin' out their hands and grabbin' golden rays, they are the chosen few
but we both know of course that's not you or me
and I'd be telling the truth if I said it don't matter, so how bout you?
can you tell me really you don't need it, you don't want it
if you can, cool, if you can't, the difference between us
people are born with
people are born without
some people have
and others want
what some go without
some people live free
some people just want more
as for me I got all that I need
don't got much but I got what I need
some people are always reachin' for some things that they don't need
I'll tell you now with thoughts like that there will never be enough
some people always struggling for something that is not
I'll tell you something now that I'm really just fine lovin' what I got
when you are done, you just abuse it, whatever you say
if you were offered some, would you wanna bite the hand?
would you betray a friend to prove you're cold then walk away?
we were born with nothin' I don't want, but you need something
you want glory, I need none and it's coming between us
people are born with
people are born without
some people have
and others want
what some go without
some people live free
some people just want more
as for me I got all that I need
do you still think that we're not brave if we don't bleed?
we've seen so much blood and violence already, how much do you need?
you howl and fight your war and talk of being free
won't let you in, they're just usin' you so why won't you see?
some people are born so much closer to the sun
holdin' out their hands and grabbin' golden rays, they are the chosen few
but we both know of course that's not you or me
and I'd be telling the truth if I said it don't matter, so how bout you?
can you tell me really you don't need it, you don't want it
if you can, cool, if you can't, the difference between us
people are born with
people are born without
some people have
and others want
what some go without
some people live free
some people just want more
as for me I got all that I need
don't got much but I got what I need
some people are always reachin' for some things that they don't need
I'll tell you now with thoughts like that there will never be enough
some people always struggling for something that is not
I'll tell you something now that I'm really just fine lovin' what I got
Lyrics submitted by clockworkfables
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
such a good song.