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.
Our lives have become shadows
Shadows of a self portrayed lie
We all have our own lives
And those of us that have good lives
Sometimes forget
That someone somewhere is suffering
A lonely kid with an alcoholic father
A hurt child with an abusive mother
A lovesick boy with a broken heart
Or even a suicidal teenager
These people can be helped
We just need to extend ourselves to those who need help
We all need help ourselves
Teach those living in the darkness of the night
And those living in the shadows of an empty life
To not give up on themselves
But to love their lives
We all need to learn to step into the sunlight sometime
We need to want help
Don’t hurt yourself or those around you
Love your enemies and love yourself
There is help…look for it…he’s there
Always knocking
You’re the one not answering
Shadows of a self portrayed lie
We all have our own lives
And those of us that have good lives
Sometimes forget
That someone somewhere is suffering
A lonely kid with an alcoholic father
A hurt child with an abusive mother
A lovesick boy with a broken heart
Or even a suicidal teenager
These people can be helped
We just need to extend ourselves to those who need help
We all need help ourselves
Teach those living in the darkness of the night
And those living in the shadows of an empty life
To not give up on themselves
But to love their lives
We all need to learn to step into the sunlight sometime
We need to want help
Don’t hurt yourself or those around you
Love your enemies and love yourself
There is help…look for it…he’s there
Always knocking
You’re the one not answering
Lyrics submitted by thursdayatreyu
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