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.
You seemed like such a smart young man
Your father’s got a lot of friends
I didn’t bother to check your references
We’re a successful company with endless opportunity
So why must you shit where you eat?
It all started out in the warehouse
Watching the stock, watching the clock
Taking shots from a flask of scotch
My first evaluation came
Remarkably they sang my praise
“Keep up the pace, you could see a raise in pay”
This seemed like a good challenge to me
So I started a game of craps in the back alley
What better way to supplement minimum wage?
Despite these fits of debauchery
The managers failed to notice me
So, what the fuck, I started stealing things
Once inventory rolled around
A few skew items could not be found
Some DVD’s and a wide screen TV
“We’ll dock these items from your pay
We expect you to finish out the day
Your father must be so ashamed”
Fuck you and your job
And I’ll shit where I want
This country’s going to go out with a bang
This country’s headed for Dependence Day
So lay out your blankets and wait for the fireworks' display
You're restless and bored and your job keeps you broke
Big Business booms to make sure that we don't
So get in the ring, you just ran out of rope
I’ll give ten percent to the ten percent
(I’ll give ten percent)
Hand me those classifieds
Your father’s got a lot of friends
I didn’t bother to check your references
We’re a successful company with endless opportunity
So why must you shit where you eat?
It all started out in the warehouse
Watching the stock, watching the clock
Taking shots from a flask of scotch
My first evaluation came
Remarkably they sang my praise
“Keep up the pace, you could see a raise in pay”
This seemed like a good challenge to me
So I started a game of craps in the back alley
What better way to supplement minimum wage?
Despite these fits of debauchery
The managers failed to notice me
So, what the fuck, I started stealing things
Once inventory rolled around
A few skew items could not be found
Some DVD’s and a wide screen TV
“We’ll dock these items from your pay
We expect you to finish out the day
Your father must be so ashamed”
Fuck you and your job
And I’ll shit where I want
This country’s going to go out with a bang
This country’s headed for Dependence Day
So lay out your blankets and wait for the fireworks' display
You're restless and bored and your job keeps you broke
Big Business booms to make sure that we don't
So get in the ring, you just ran out of rope
I’ll give ten percent to the ten percent
(I’ll give ten percent)
Hand me those classifieds
Lyrics submitted by Ves1011
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
I can't beleive no one has commented on this! I love Cursive. I think this song is pretty self-explanatory. It's very good though.
I really liked this song. I think it was the best song on Lagniappe. Kasher just has a way with making his voice sound so emotional on the parts that it should. Another wonderful Cursive song.
This is a pretty lame story.
But I heard this song on a listening post in red eye records the day I went to an interview for my now gay corporate whore job.
Woe is me.
i think at the part that has ???? is "big business booms to make sure that we don't"
I love how in the begining of the song, it says "So why must you shit where you eat?" Then, the whole song is basically leading up the to "Fuck you and your job, And I'll shit where I want".
Great song.