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.
Beneath the glow of this hanging moon lies a city still and cold
Our silhouettes walk hand in hand
The drunken jukebox serenade
We pretend we're so innocent cause no one ever likes to hurt
Girl, take off that silver dress, and expose your naked heart
I'm not capable of love
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Cause I'm not capable of love
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Take it back
So happy birthday darling
Watch those candles melt away
Not unlike those chandeliers at the bar where we both etched our names
Who would have thought we'd fall so hard?
Who would have thought we'd fall so fast?
Optimistic children clinging tight to all we never had
I'm not capable of love
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Cause I'm not capable of love
That kind of love
Girl, I wish that I could take back
Take it back
You're the only one I want
I wish that I could take it back
Am I not capable of love?
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Cause I'd be lying if I said you're not my biggest regret
Girl, I wish that I could take it back
Cause I'm not capable of love
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Take it back
Our silhouettes walk hand in hand
The drunken jukebox serenade
We pretend we're so innocent cause no one ever likes to hurt
Girl, take off that silver dress, and expose your naked heart
I'm not capable of love
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Cause I'm not capable of love
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Take it back
So happy birthday darling
Watch those candles melt away
Not unlike those chandeliers at the bar where we both etched our names
Who would have thought we'd fall so hard?
Who would have thought we'd fall so fast?
Optimistic children clinging tight to all we never had
I'm not capable of love
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Cause I'm not capable of love
That kind of love
Girl, I wish that I could take back
Take it back
You're the only one I want
I wish that I could take it back
Am I not capable of love?
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Cause I'd be lying if I said you're not my biggest regret
Girl, I wish that I could take it back
Cause I'm not capable of love
That kind of love that I felt when I was twenty-one
Take it back
Lyrics submitted by eltroyo11
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Page
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apparently this is going to be the new single from the new album..
gotta be honest... this band changed so much. song seems pretty okay, although i still miss the old ataris..
I agree with you. I understand when bands need to go in new directions, and "grow up" or "evolve" musicaly, but I truly miss the old Ataris. It's sad that we will never hear the old ataris again. This song is alright and i'm sure it will grow on me, but the old ataris is what i grew up lsitening to and what got me through high school. meh
if this song is any indication of the rest of the album i have to say i'm relieved. i was afraid they would follow more in the pop sound of so long, astoria.
this song is pretty rockin! i really like this song and yes everyone will miss the old ataris but this is a new step for the band and its a healthy one
i'm glad someone understands and feels the same way i do about the ataris as well [Damon & the34truth]!! but like snowbird and reducedtoteeth mentioned its a step kris has decided to take and it couldve been worse...i really think he should just change the bands name: new band members, new music, new record label, new fans...changing the band name would finalize this new sense of group identity and would do everyone a great justice i think.
but anyways, song meaning: i remembering reading about the song somewhere and i wish i had the source now to credit but i dont: i think it references kris' divorce with denise and his overall growth as a person and as a musician with the rest of the band. also, the carefree and good times of the past and of being young.
This song is a really healthy mix of old Ataris ethic with the driving bass line and the lyrical styles, and also shoegaze a la My bloody Valentine.
I definitely get a new vibe from this song as compared to the old Ataris music. I understand that they want to evolve musically, but I will always miss the old sound. This song is alright. I don't think Kris wanted to change the name because he still wants to play the old stuff at concerts. Just a thought.
i'll miss the old ataris too but i can relate to the way they have evolved. in a sense i feel like i've grown with them and i can put myself in this situation. being 21 and falling in love for the first time, then getting older and it just not being the same, where one person grows and the other doesn't. i love this song. i can't wait to hear the rest of the album.
i do not like this song. i too miss the old ataris. i like the lyrics but i dont like the new sound. :/
I like this song. true, its not like their old stuff which rocks, but at least they are still making music and touring. They still play all the old stuff at their concerts too, so its not like they forgot where they came from.