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.
Baby, you were always gonna be the one
You only ever did it just for fun
But you run to paradise
Jenny, I'll meet you at the grocery store
You don't need a friend when you can score
You run to paradise
Johnny
We were always best of friends
Stick together and defend
But you run to paradise
And Mamma, now don't you worry 'bout me anymore
And I see you crying at the door
When I run to paradise
That's right, they had it all worked out
You were young and blonde and you could never do wrong
That's right, they were so surprised
You opened their eyes up
(Opened their eyes up)
Opened their eyes up
You don't want anyone (You don't, you don't, open your eyes up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, your no fool)
Don't tell me, this is paradise (Open your eyes up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, open your eyes up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, your no fool)
Don't tell me, this is paradise
Good times, why'd I let them slip away
Why'd I let them slip away
'Cause I lived in paradise
Run to paradise
Run to paradise
Run to paradise
Jesus say's it's gonna be alright
He's gonna pat my back so I can walk in the light
(That's right!)
You don't mind if I abuse myself
So I can hold my head up (Hold my head up)
Hold my head up
You don't want anyone (You don't, hold your head up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, your no fool)
Don't tell me, this is paradise (Open your eyes up)
You don't need anyone
You don't need anyone (You don't)
You'll tell me, this is paradise
You don't want anyone (You don't, hold your head up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, your no fool)
You'll tell me, this is paradise (Open your eyes up)
You don't need anyone
You don't want anyone, (You don't)
You'll tell me, this is paradise
You only ever did it just for fun
But you run to paradise
Jenny, I'll meet you at the grocery store
You don't need a friend when you can score
You run to paradise
Johnny
We were always best of friends
Stick together and defend
But you run to paradise
And Mamma, now don't you worry 'bout me anymore
And I see you crying at the door
When I run to paradise
That's right, they had it all worked out
You were young and blonde and you could never do wrong
That's right, they were so surprised
You opened their eyes up
(Opened their eyes up)
Opened their eyes up
You don't want anyone (You don't, you don't, open your eyes up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, your no fool)
Don't tell me, this is paradise (Open your eyes up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, open your eyes up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, your no fool)
Don't tell me, this is paradise
Good times, why'd I let them slip away
Why'd I let them slip away
'Cause I lived in paradise
Run to paradise
Run to paradise
Run to paradise
Jesus say's it's gonna be alright
He's gonna pat my back so I can walk in the light
(That's right!)
You don't mind if I abuse myself
So I can hold my head up (Hold my head up)
Hold my head up
You don't want anyone (You don't, hold your head up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, your no fool)
Don't tell me, this is paradise (Open your eyes up)
You don't need anyone
You don't need anyone (You don't)
You'll tell me, this is paradise
You don't want anyone (You don't, hold your head up)
You don't want anyone (You don't, your no fool)
You'll tell me, this is paradise (Open your eyes up)
You don't need anyone
You don't want anyone, (You don't)
You'll tell me, this is paradise
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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.
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Amazing
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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.
Also my favourite song, regardless of it's meaning or my mood, I'll belt this one out everytime I hear it. Aussie pub rock at it's finest.