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.
When you get home there's gonna be a big present waiting on your bedside table, you said
It's your knife smile, cutting into me
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
So you sit, it's just getting cold with only candlelight to keep you warm
You're in a great big car now, polluting, that coffee cup has never looked so good
It's the way you say my name, like you're joking
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that, no
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
It's your knife smile, cutting into me
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
So you sit, it's just getting cold with only candlelight to keep you warm
You're in a great big car now, polluting, that coffee cup has never looked so good
It's the way you say my name, like you're joking
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that
You're not gonna get very far with a smile like that, no
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
That's why I cover my ears when you talk to me
That's why
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it's about either a couple or two friends. one of which can't stand the other because they feel like the other is constantly mocking them. "It’s the way you say my name like you’re joking"
"that's why i cover my ears when you talk to me" shows that the person can't listen to them anymore because all the person does is be negative and judge them.
"So you sit there sister getting cold and lonely Camel lights to keep you warm" shows that the person keeps pushing people away until they're alone
"You’re not gonna get very far with a smile like that" i think it might actually be 'song like that' but either way the narrator is trying to say if you don't change your attitude you're never going to get anywhere. you're always going to be alone and lonely.
"You’re in a great big car now Polluting"
seems to be trying to show that this person doesn't care about anyone but themselves.