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.
When I was young
I never knew
What this thing called love
Could do to you
But since you been gone
And I've been on my own
I've been feeling quite peculiar
But I'll get by without your smile
I'll get through without you
But I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
Cause Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
And Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
Oh
Since you been gone
I can do what I like
But it doesn't mean a lot to me
I'm all shook up
And I'm lonesome tonight
I think I need a lot of lobotomy
But I'll get by without your smile
I'll get through without you
But I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
Cause Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
Cause Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
Oh no, Oh no, Oh no
You
Me
Maybe we we're never meant to be
[2x]
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Cause I heard him on the radio
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
And you're coming back to me I know
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Yes I heard him on the radio
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
Cause Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
And Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
And Elvis ain't dead
And Elvis ain't dead
And Elvis ain't dead
And Elvis ain't dead
Elvis has left the building
Thank you and good night
I never knew
What this thing called love
Could do to you
But since you been gone
And I've been on my own
I've been feeling quite peculiar
But I'll get by without your smile
I'll get through without you
But I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
Cause Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
And Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
Oh
Since you been gone
I can do what I like
But it doesn't mean a lot to me
I'm all shook up
And I'm lonesome tonight
I think I need a lot of lobotomy
But I'll get by without your smile
I'll get through without you
But I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
Cause Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
Cause Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
Oh no, Oh no, Oh no
You
Me
Maybe we we're never meant to be
[2x]
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Cause I heard him on the radio
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
And you're coming back to me I know
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Yes I heard him on the radio
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Elvis isn't dead
Me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
I wish it was me you chose
Cause Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
And Elvis ain't dead
And you're coming back
And Elvis ain't dead
And Elvis ain't dead
And Elvis ain't dead
And Elvis ain't dead
Elvis has left the building
Thank you and good night
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I quite like the "I'll get by without your smile, I'll get through without you, but I wish it was me you chose" it's not a ridiculous 'I'll never be the same without you my life is over' song it's just how nice it would be if they were together but c'est la vie.
That's how I see it anyway...