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's very good advice to believe
Only what an artist does
People interested in painting
Might be fascinated by an arm
When I was in heaven the only
Art I saw in time was my fare
This is how to make one's
Living as an artist
I thought the idea
My father was painting
On some crystals
I saw to watch him do it
He began by putting
A whole sheet of hardboard
Flush over each one
Then he started painting
Sunsets on the floor
I thought they were wonderful
It is very good advice to believe
Only what an artist does [Repeat x2]
Only what an artist does
People interested in painting
Might be fascinated by an arm
When I was in heaven the only
Art I saw in time was my fare
This is how to make one's
Living as an artist
I thought the idea
My father was painting
On some crystals
I saw to watch him do it
He began by putting
A whole sheet of hardboard
Flush over each one
Then he started painting
Sunsets on the floor
I thought they were wonderful
It is very good advice to believe
Only what an artist does [Repeat x2]
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