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 never had a pocket full of money
I never had a ruby red ring
All I ever had was you, babe
To sit and listen to me sing
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
And I never had a barrel full of money
Never had a big Cadillac
All I ever had was you, babe
And that's a fact
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
Some people got barrels of money
Bushels of ruby red rings
But they ain't got a man like mine
And they don't know how to sing
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
Now some say the blues are sorrowful
Some say the blues are sad
But when I sing the blues to you
They come out feelin' glad
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
Now don't put your money in a barrel
Don't waste it on a ruby red ring
Give it all to your own little girl
To fix your dinner while you sing
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
I never had a ruby red ring
All I ever had was you, babe
To sit and listen to me sing
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
And I never had a barrel full of money
Never had a big Cadillac
All I ever had was you, babe
And that's a fact
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
Some people got barrels of money
Bushels of ruby red rings
But they ain't got a man like mine
And they don't know how to sing
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
Now some say the blues are sorrowful
Some say the blues are sad
But when I sing the blues to you
They come out feelin' glad
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
Now don't put your money in a barrel
Don't waste it on a ruby red ring
Give it all to your own little girl
To fix your dinner while you sing
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
I got the blues
The empty pocket blues
Lyrics submitted by smallwonderrobot
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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.
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I have the Weaver's version. This is absolutely the cutest song ever.