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.
Don’t let your life slip through the cracks in your hand
If you hold on tight you might stand a chance
Don’t be yourself if you’re not someone you like
There’s hope for change in anyone’s life
The paper skin I’m living in it tells the truth, it proves I’m broken
This paper skin, so frail so thin and every touch can tear me open
La la la la la la la la la, La la la la la la la la
Don’t make your love suffer insecurity
Trade the baggage of “self” to set another man free
Don’t dream out loud you never know who will hear
Delight in bringing you down and fill your head with their fears
On paper skin words won’t rescind they sink too deep and slice me open
In paper skin I never mend it bends me back until I’m broken
La la la la la la la la la, La la la la la la la la
If you hold on tight you might stand a chance
Don’t be yourself if you’re not someone you like
There’s hope for change in anyone’s life
The paper skin I’m living in it tells the truth, it proves I’m broken
This paper skin, so frail so thin and every touch can tear me open
La la la la la la la la la, La la la la la la la la
Don’t make your love suffer insecurity
Trade the baggage of “self” to set another man free
Don’t dream out loud you never know who will hear
Delight in bringing you down and fill your head with their fears
On paper skin words won’t rescind they sink too deep and slice me open
In paper skin I never mend it bends me back until I’m broken
La la la la la la la la la, La la la la la la la la
Lyrics submitted by noquinhas84
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Wow!!! no comments Well, I'll add mine. I think it is about being hurt and thinking there is something wrong with you because no one will treat you right. Then crying out for them to leave you alone. Because someone told you you were to sensitive. If you ever feel this way remember this quote: "Such sensitivity is a blessing, not many can say they ware your heart on your sleeve. Not many can say that they truly care."