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'm not surprised that you still call
I'm not surprised
I'm more surprised that I won't answer
Pick up the phone to call you back
Pick up the phone to call you back
Ain't it funny how things work out like that
Cause the time that it takes to open my eyes
Is the time that it took me to realize
[Chorus 1]
Madly madly madly
Well tell me that you need me
Show me I'm the only
And that's all I need to know
[Chorus 2]
Madly madly madly
Well if you really love me
When you see me leaving baby just let me go
Well I've been good no I've been great
You say you're in a better place
And honestly I'm happy for ya
But there's a tone in my voice that gives away my selfish choice
Can my heart beat any faster?
Cause the time that it takes to pass me by
Is the time that it took me to realize
[Chorus 1]
[Chorus 2]
We give it up, try to find what was with us all the time
Gotta lose some things if you're ever gonna get on by
And who was wrong? Who was right?
Always end up in a fight, and I thought I'd crumble no I'm fine
[Chorus 2]
[Chorus 1]
[Chorus 2: x2]
I'm not surprised
I'm more surprised that I won't answer
Pick up the phone to call you back
Pick up the phone to call you back
Ain't it funny how things work out like that
Cause the time that it takes to open my eyes
Is the time that it took me to realize
[Chorus 1]
Madly madly madly
Well tell me that you need me
Show me I'm the only
And that's all I need to know
[Chorus 2]
Madly madly madly
Well if you really love me
When you see me leaving baby just let me go
Well I've been good no I've been great
You say you're in a better place
And honestly I'm happy for ya
But there's a tone in my voice that gives away my selfish choice
Can my heart beat any faster?
Cause the time that it takes to pass me by
Is the time that it took me to realize
[Chorus 1]
[Chorus 2]
We give it up, try to find what was with us all the time
Gotta lose some things if you're ever gonna get on by
And who was wrong? Who was right?
Always end up in a fight, and I thought I'd crumble no I'm fine
[Chorus 2]
[Chorus 1]
[Chorus 2: x2]
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