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.
I got these debts to pay
I got these big fucking debts to pay
And I’m not sure if this next bill I can make
So I’m headed West
I’m going to get myself out of this mess
Yeah I think that I’d best disappear for a while
Maybe it’s self-sabotage
Maybe I’m trying to tempt fate
Maybe it’s starting again
If I could buy a clean slate
Well I hitched 4000 miles
In five and a half days
But there are always some things
From which you can’t run away…run away
Well I’m in deep this time
It wasn’t my fault but I crossed the line
And I’m not sure if I can leave it all behind
What I’m doing here
This town is a trap full of loathing and fear
But maybe this is what it’ll take to settle the score
Maybe it’s self-sabotage
Maybe I’m trying to tempt fate
Maybe it’s starting again
If I could buy a clean slate
Well I hitched 4000 miles
In five and a half days
But there are always some things
From which you can’t run away…run away
I took the early train into Washington
Out the window the highway is alive tonight
Code Orange blues across the evening news
But somehow I think that everything’ll be alright
I got these big fucking debts to pay
And I’m not sure if this next bill I can make
So I’m headed West
I’m going to get myself out of this mess
Yeah I think that I’d best disappear for a while
Maybe it’s self-sabotage
Maybe I’m trying to tempt fate
Maybe it’s starting again
If I could buy a clean slate
Well I hitched 4000 miles
In five and a half days
But there are always some things
From which you can’t run away…run away
Well I’m in deep this time
It wasn’t my fault but I crossed the line
And I’m not sure if I can leave it all behind
What I’m doing here
This town is a trap full of loathing and fear
But maybe this is what it’ll take to settle the score
Maybe it’s self-sabotage
Maybe I’m trying to tempt fate
Maybe it’s starting again
If I could buy a clean slate
Well I hitched 4000 miles
In five and a half days
But there are always some things
From which you can’t run away…run away
I took the early train into Washington
Out the window the highway is alive tonight
Code Orange blues across the evening news
But somehow I think that everything’ll be alright
Lyrics submitted by displacedfever
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
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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.