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.
Driving through town, just my boy and me
With a Happy Meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn't have the toy
'Til his nuggets were gone
A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath
His fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap
Well, then my four year old said a four letter word
It started with "S" and I was concerned
So I said, "Son, now where did you learn to talk like that?"
He said, "I've been watching you, dad, ain't that cool?
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah, we're just alike, hey, ain't we dad?
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you"
We got back home, and I went to the barn
I bowed my head, and I prayed real hard
Said, "Lord, please help me help my stupid self"
Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son's Scooby Doo night light
He crawled out of bed, and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
Spoke to God like he was talkin' to a friend
And I said, "Son, now where'd you learn to pray like that?"
He said, "I've been watching you, dad, ain't that cool?
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama's hand
Yeah, we're just alike, hey, ain't we, dad?
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you"
With tears in my eyes, I wrapped him in a hug
Said, "My little bear is growing up"
And he said, "But when I'm big, I'll still know what to do"
"'Cause I've been watching you, dad, ain't that cool?
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are
By then I'll be strong as Superman
We'll be just alike, hey, won't we, dad?
When I can do everything you do
'Cause I've been watching you"
Hey, yeah, uh huh
With a Happy Meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn't have the toy
'Til his nuggets were gone
A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath
His fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap
Well, then my four year old said a four letter word
It started with "S" and I was concerned
So I said, "Son, now where did you learn to talk like that?"
He said, "I've been watching you, dad, ain't that cool?
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah, we're just alike, hey, ain't we dad?
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you"
We got back home, and I went to the barn
I bowed my head, and I prayed real hard
Said, "Lord, please help me help my stupid self"
Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son's Scooby Doo night light
He crawled out of bed, and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
Spoke to God like he was talkin' to a friend
And I said, "Son, now where'd you learn to pray like that?"
He said, "I've been watching you, dad, ain't that cool?
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama's hand
Yeah, we're just alike, hey, ain't we, dad?
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you"
With tears in my eyes, I wrapped him in a hug
Said, "My little bear is growing up"
And he said, "But when I'm big, I'll still know what to do"
"'Cause I've been watching you, dad, ain't that cool?
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are
By then I'll be strong as Superman
We'll be just alike, hey, won't we, dad?
When I can do everything you do
'Cause I've been watching you"
Hey, yeah, uh huh
Lyrics submitted by shallremain
Watching You Lyrics as written by Rodney Adkins Brian White
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song is so cute. Its about a little boy who looks up to his dad. He wants to be just his dad so he watches everything his dad does.