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 feel the ropes are getting tighter, it's not a bad idea
These chains will never hold me down, so lets just make this clear
So step it up and make me fight it, and I'll scare you all the time
Don't stop, just carry on and I know I'll be just fine
Love you and leave you's what I'll do
One day I'm coming, not a clue
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You feel my hands are getting tighter, getting ever nearer
Scream when you've had enough, I couldn't see this clearer
Your life is slipping through my fingers
Push you up against the wall
Do I stop or just carry on?
Will you ever take it off?
Love you and leave you's what I'll do
One day I'm coming, not a clue.
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
I'm so close, scream for me
I'm so close, scream for me
I'm so close, scream for me
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You've tired me out, by tying me down
You've tired me out, by tying me down
You've tired me out, by tying me down
You've tired me out, by tying me down
Tying me down
Tying me down
These chains will never hold me down, so lets just make this clear
So step it up and make me fight it, and I'll scare you all the time
Don't stop, just carry on and I know I'll be just fine
Love you and leave you's what I'll do
One day I'm coming, not a clue
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You feel my hands are getting tighter, getting ever nearer
Scream when you've had enough, I couldn't see this clearer
Your life is slipping through my fingers
Push you up against the wall
Do I stop or just carry on?
Will you ever take it off?
Love you and leave you's what I'll do
One day I'm coming, not a clue.
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
I'm so close, scream for me
I'm so close, scream for me
I'm so close, scream for me
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You've tired me out, by tying me down, Woah, woah
You've tired me out, by tying me down
You've tired me out, by tying me down
You've tired me out, by tying me down
You've tired me out, by tying me down
Tying me down
Tying me down
Lyrics submitted by RupertFS
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I never thought about it like that before... also fits with the dual vocals. (Okay, images in my head I did NOT want to see...)
But I think the 'One day I'm coming, not a clue' is actually 'one day I'm gone without a clue,' which fits the 'love you and leave you' better. I like that bit 'cause if you're half listening, it sounds like 'one day I'm coming down to Crewe,'which is where I live... I wait in hope! (: