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.
Reto, you're a technical whiz,
Masturbating with computers
For a legion of kids.
Reto, you're a solid state,
A microchip and designer tape.
Oh Reto, where did you come from?
With transistors and a keyboard
You're a virtual gun.
Reto, is there something wrong?
The bigger wired robot
Is still using it's probe
When life's behind the screen
Of an agorophobe.
Oh Reto, artificial life,
A new computer and a brand new wife.
Oh Reto, can you process this?
A girlfriend in a coma having cyber sex.
Gamble it away with computer chips.
Oh no
Knowing where we're going
(Where do we go?)
Oh Reto, are you future smart?
Fiber optics cybercloptic digital heart.
Reto, can you cypher me?
Eight zero two eleven B.
Oh Reto, it's a stripped down world
Like muriatic acid in a toilet bowl.
Reto, it's an SOS
We're microwaving signals like a scientist.
Our bit-rate is shrinking to a non-existant.
Oh no
Knowing where we're going
(Where do we go?)
Where do we go, Reto?
Masturbating with computers
For a legion of kids.
Reto, you're a solid state,
A microchip and designer tape.
Oh Reto, where did you come from?
With transistors and a keyboard
You're a virtual gun.
Reto, is there something wrong?
The bigger wired robot
Is still using it's probe
When life's behind the screen
Of an agorophobe.
Oh Reto, artificial life,
A new computer and a brand new wife.
Oh Reto, can you process this?
A girlfriend in a coma having cyber sex.
Gamble it away with computer chips.
Oh no
Knowing where we're going
(Where do we go?)
Oh Reto, are you future smart?
Fiber optics cybercloptic digital heart.
Reto, can you cypher me?
Eight zero two eleven B.
Oh Reto, it's a stripped down world
Like muriatic acid in a toilet bowl.
Reto, it's an SOS
We're microwaving signals like a scientist.
Our bit-rate is shrinking to a non-existant.
Oh no
Knowing where we're going
(Where do we go?)
Where do we go, Reto?
Lyrics submitted by ghoststories
Reto Lyrics as written by Frank E. Billie Joe Armstrong
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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.
Reto is also rumored to be one of the unidentified members (synths) of the band, either Z or Captain Underpants, as well as engineer on Green Day's American Idiot album.