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.
Sharpay:
I believe in dreamin'
Shootin' for the stars
Ryan:
Baby to be number one
You've got to raise the bar
Sharpay:
Kickin' and a scratchin'
Grindin' out my best
Ryan:
Anything it takes
To climb the ladder of success
Both:
Work our tails off every day
Gotta bump the competition
Blow them all away
Sharpay:
Yeah we're gonna
Both:
Bop, bop, bop
Bop to the top
Ryan:
Slip and slide and ride that rhythm
Both:
Jump and hop hop ‘til we drop
Sharpay:
And start again
Zip zap zop
Pop like a mop
Ryan:
Scoot around the corner
Both:
Move it to the groove
‘Til the music stops
Do the bop bop, bop to the top
Don't ever stop
Bop to the top
Gimmie, gimmie
Shimmy shimmy
Shake some booty and turn around
Flash a smile in their direction
Sharpay:
Show some muscle
Ryan:
Do the hustle
Both:
Yeah we're gonna bop, bop, bop
Bop to the top
Ryan:
Wipe away your inhibitions
Both:
Stump, stump, stump do the rump
Sharpay:
And strut your stuff
Both:
Bop, bop, bop
Straight to the top
Going for the glory
We'll keep stepping up
And we just won't stop
‘Til we reach the top
Bop to the top
I believe in dreamin'
Shootin' for the stars
Ryan:
Baby to be number one
You've got to raise the bar
Sharpay:
Kickin' and a scratchin'
Grindin' out my best
Ryan:
Anything it takes
To climb the ladder of success
Both:
Work our tails off every day
Gotta bump the competition
Blow them all away
Sharpay:
Yeah we're gonna
Both:
Bop, bop, bop
Bop to the top
Ryan:
Slip and slide and ride that rhythm
Both:
Jump and hop hop ‘til we drop
Sharpay:
And start again
Zip zap zop
Pop like a mop
Ryan:
Scoot around the corner
Both:
Move it to the groove
‘Til the music stops
Do the bop bop, bop to the top
Don't ever stop
Bop to the top
Gimmie, gimmie
Shimmy shimmy
Shake some booty and turn around
Flash a smile in their direction
Sharpay:
Show some muscle
Ryan:
Do the hustle
Both:
Yeah we're gonna bop, bop, bop
Bop to the top
Ryan:
Wipe away your inhibitions
Both:
Stump, stump, stump do the rump
Sharpay:
And strut your stuff
Both:
Bop, bop, bop
Straight to the top
Going for the glory
We'll keep stepping up
And we just won't stop
‘Til we reach the top
Bop to the top
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
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”
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.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
It's about wanting to get to the top of whatever it is you do - being ambitious. Great song by my two favourite characters in the movie, especially Sharpay.