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.
It amazes me how much I want you
We seem to fall out every time
And again when I feel that we're closing in
You say look I really can't pull this off, not this time
What's with all these people?
Who are they?
What do they want?
I don't carry drugs in my pocket
Though you said it would bring us closer
I don't think you meant to each other
But to something else
Someone else
We seem to fall out every time
And again when I feel that we're closing in
You say look I really can't pull this off, not this time
What's with all these people?
Who are they?
What do they want?
I don't carry drugs in my pocket
Though you said it would bring us closer
I don't think you meant to each other
But to something else
Someone else
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
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
This song is great because it says so much about the two people involved in the song with so little. It's my favorite by this band.
For whatever reason, whether she's commitment phobic, has trust issues, or just isn't interested, the girl the narrator is talking to can't seem to commit to their relationship for it to work. It doesn't have a solid foundation because they keep falling out and then getting back together which indicates some degree of co-dependency. It's clear that he wants more than she's willing to give. However, he's unable to see that because he's so obsessed with her.
In the second verse, it's becoming clear that she's using him, putting him in situations that he's uncomfortable with, and may even be indicating that she's interested in someone else. It could be that at this point in her life, she's incapable of loving someone else (which takes effort and commitment) or is unaware what love isn't (the honeymoon period or making up after a fight). It's becoming clear that she isn't suitable for a relationship, because if she isn't interested, she just needs to come out and tell him but doesn't because she relies on him for emotional/maybe physical intimacy but when it becomes apparent that she'll have to reciprocate she tells him she can't do this.
The narrator has a lot to think about, because he's slowly coming to the realization that she isn't worth the time he's giving her. He's not quite there yet, but it'll eventually dawn on him that she's not the girl for him and he should move on.
Some songs hit the nail right on the head when it comes to depicting certain situations, and if you've been there it's that much more powerful to you. I know exactly how this guy feels, but he needs to run as far away from this girl as possible cause she'll only cause him grief for as long as he lets her.