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.
Last summer things got hazy
And I ended up in a band
And I slept well through the daytime
On my stomach in the back of a van
And I was shouting beneath a roof of trees
With my new friends surrounding me
And I came into my body
And things were swarming that I’ve never seen
And I can't abide by rules which are not my own
There's a wolf on my lawn and my bravery is gone
And suddenly I'm a child again
I ran the bases round
But I fell and I scraped my knees
Is that bad luck for me?
Is running bad luck for me?
And I almost fell in love
But I swore and we tore in two
Is that bad luck for you?
Am I bad luck for you?
And I watched her across the table
As the dreams and the drugs left my brain
And it is awkward to meet new people
And watch our perceptions of them change
But I wished I still felt the same now
But I am emptier than ever some how
I need to learn how to keep my mouth shut
To keep friendly things from coming out
And I can't abide by rules which are not my own
There's a hawk on my fence
And it's warning me again
And suddenly I become a man
The days are winding down
To what I'm a bit confused
Are they winding down to you?
Am I winding down to you?
I will keep on writing songs
Until it's time to record again
And I'll be crazy until then
Yes I'll stay crazy until then
Oh, oh.
And I ended up in a band
And I slept well through the daytime
On my stomach in the back of a van
And I was shouting beneath a roof of trees
With my new friends surrounding me
And I came into my body
And things were swarming that I’ve never seen
And I can't abide by rules which are not my own
There's a wolf on my lawn and my bravery is gone
And suddenly I'm a child again
I ran the bases round
But I fell and I scraped my knees
Is that bad luck for me?
Is running bad luck for me?
And I almost fell in love
But I swore and we tore in two
Is that bad luck for you?
Am I bad luck for you?
And I watched her across the table
As the dreams and the drugs left my brain
And it is awkward to meet new people
And watch our perceptions of them change
But I wished I still felt the same now
But I am emptier than ever some how
I need to learn how to keep my mouth shut
To keep friendly things from coming out
And I can't abide by rules which are not my own
There's a hawk on my fence
And it's warning me again
And suddenly I become a man
The days are winding down
To what I'm a bit confused
Are they winding down to you?
Am I winding down to you?
I will keep on writing songs
Until it's time to record again
And I'll be crazy until then
Yes I'll stay crazy until then
Oh, oh.
Lyrics submitted by vossler
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
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
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.
its really cool , if i do speak lyrically.
"And it is awkward to meet new people And watch our perceptions of them change"
i love that part because it's so true.
kkloveyouDevon
p.s. i fucking hate Fergie!
" i love you and i hope %&@# reads theat.!!"