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've been standing here waiting for the bus
on a Saturday, laundry on my back
ultraviolet rays like I'm posing for a shot
in a magazine what the hell does it mean?
I'm a travelling man straight from the can
I'm a thousand miles away from my number one fan
my folks are getting tight won't let me out at night
you can't avoid the complications
when there's no reason at all
when the right hand strikes we fly
i'll drink my beer i'll wipe my tears
southbound in the sky
another crime another reason gets you everyday
the only time that you can talk
you ain't got nothing to say
well I'm caught up in a stupid game
thai I can't play
it's just a waste of time but I'm in it anyway
i've been sitting here watching the signs
too many cars at night belching in the moonlight
we're doing ninety as the sky turns to grey
the people look like bees buzzing by the highway
the wheels are rolling like a rolling stone
alone I choose the road less traveled on
now I'm lying here waiting for the day
on the second deck
dreaming of a girl from a fairytale
chain around my neck
a ride is all it takes but pains get in the way
i'm a travelling man straight from the can
i'm a thousand miles away from my number one fan
my folks are getting tight won't let me out at night
you can't avoid the complications
when there's no reason at all
when the right hand strikes we fly
i'll drink my beer i'll wipe my tears
southbound in the sky
another crime another reason gets you everyday
the only time that you can talk
you ain't got nothing to say
well i'm caught up in a stupid game
thai i can't play
it's just a waste of time but i'm in it anyway
I'm in it anyway hey
i'm in it anyway
on a Saturday, laundry on my back
ultraviolet rays like I'm posing for a shot
in a magazine what the hell does it mean?
I'm a travelling man straight from the can
I'm a thousand miles away from my number one fan
my folks are getting tight won't let me out at night
you can't avoid the complications
when there's no reason at all
when the right hand strikes we fly
i'll drink my beer i'll wipe my tears
southbound in the sky
another crime another reason gets you everyday
the only time that you can talk
you ain't got nothing to say
well I'm caught up in a stupid game
thai I can't play
it's just a waste of time but I'm in it anyway
i've been sitting here watching the signs
too many cars at night belching in the moonlight
we're doing ninety as the sky turns to grey
the people look like bees buzzing by the highway
the wheels are rolling like a rolling stone
alone I choose the road less traveled on
now I'm lying here waiting for the day
on the second deck
dreaming of a girl from a fairytale
chain around my neck
a ride is all it takes but pains get in the way
i'm a travelling man straight from the can
i'm a thousand miles away from my number one fan
my folks are getting tight won't let me out at night
you can't avoid the complications
when there's no reason at all
when the right hand strikes we fly
i'll drink my beer i'll wipe my tears
southbound in the sky
another crime another reason gets you everyday
the only time that you can talk
you ain't got nothing to say
well i'm caught up in a stupid game
thai i can't play
it's just a waste of time but i'm in it anyway
I'm in it anyway hey
i'm in it anyway
Lyrics submitted by Lucy F.
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