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 know my voice is silence to your ears
I know I said some things you didn't deserve to hear
I miss you, God I miss you, why do I miss you?
I lie awake at night kicking at the sheets
No matter how much I try they never cover my feet
I need you, God I need you, why do I?
I finally gathered up the strength
To get through my days
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You call me on the phone, try and see if I'm at home
You play with my emotions, give me some kind of hope
I miss you, God I miss you, why do I?
I finally gathered up the strength
To get through these lonely, lonely nights
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You've got me desperate and confused
And my confidence is thrown
I'd rather be miserable with you
Than ever be alone, you're free of me
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You lift me
I will change the way I talk
I will change the way I feel
I will change the way I walk
Until nothing left is real
I will change the way I call your name
Change the way I eat
I will change the way I touch you
When you're lying there asleep
'Cause I miss you
God I miss you, I miss you
Return to me, return to me, return to me
I will change everything
I know I said some things you didn't deserve to hear
I miss you, God I miss you, why do I miss you?
I lie awake at night kicking at the sheets
No matter how much I try they never cover my feet
I need you, God I need you, why do I?
I finally gathered up the strength
To get through my days
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You call me on the phone, try and see if I'm at home
You play with my emotions, give me some kind of hope
I miss you, God I miss you, why do I?
I finally gathered up the strength
To get through these lonely, lonely nights
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You've got me desperate and confused
And my confidence is thrown
I'd rather be miserable with you
Than ever be alone, you're free of me
You lift me up
(Just to let me down)
You lift me
I will change the way I talk
I will change the way I feel
I will change the way I walk
Until nothing left is real
I will change the way I call your name
Change the way I eat
I will change the way I touch you
When you're lying there asleep
'Cause I miss you
God I miss you, I miss you
Return to me, return to me, return to me
I will change everything
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