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.
No, you don't know
It makes no sense
And there goes
Your confidence
You were so understanding
So sure of yourself
But when love became damaged
You ran for help
How can you give up on love - Oh
How can you give up on love so soon
How can you give up on love this time
You ought to know love is hard to find
Steady
Hold your breath
It isn't
Over yet
So with one small admission
Your paying the price
Did you tell yourself lying was
Good advice
How can you give up on love
How can you give up on love so soon
How can you give up on love this time
You ought to know love is hard to find
It's not easy to tell where
Security lies
Is it stupid to trust in
The look in her eyes
How can you give up on love
How can you give up on love so soon
How can you give up on love this time
You ought to know love is hard to find
How can you give up on love
How can you give up on love so soon
How can you give up on love this time
You ought to know love is hard to find
[Repeat to Fade]
It makes no sense
And there goes
Your confidence
You were so understanding
So sure of yourself
But when love became damaged
You ran for help
How can you give up on love - Oh
How can you give up on love so soon
How can you give up on love this time
You ought to know love is hard to find
Steady
Hold your breath
It isn't
Over yet
So with one small admission
Your paying the price
Did you tell yourself lying was
Good advice
How can you give up on love
How can you give up on love so soon
How can you give up on love this time
You ought to know love is hard to find
It's not easy to tell where
Security lies
Is it stupid to trust in
The look in her eyes
How can you give up on love
How can you give up on love so soon
How can you give up on love this time
You ought to know love is hard to find
How can you give up on love
How can you give up on love so soon
How can you give up on love this time
You ought to know love is hard to find
[Repeat to Fade]
Lyrics submitted by sillybunny
How Can You Give Up? Lyrics as written by Michael Hausman Aimee Mann
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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