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.
His name is Max and he's going to school
He doesn't wear a helmet 'cause he's so cool
He keeps his helmet on his bars
Darts out randomly in front of cars
Talks on his phone while rollin' down the street
He even has a girlfriend, ISN'T THAT SWEET!?
He hits on chicks even if they're skanky
He smells his pits and THEY'RE HELLA STINKY!
OK, I just need to clarify one mother f---ing thing, Max is a bad ass mother f---er, if you dont f---ing believe me, then look at his mother f---ing helmet on his mother f---ing handlebars, holy s--- that guy is hardcore! Oh yeah, and he swears a s---load, and everyone knows that's f---ing awesome!
What's this? Is this is a hardcore part? YEAH!! Just like Max!
HIS NAME IS MAX!
HE DOESN'T WEAR A HELMET!
HE KEEPS IT ON HIS HANDLEBAR!
HE'S FAILING ALL HIS CLASSES!
AND HE'S ONLY... 10!?
What? I thought he was like 26. So you're telling me that I wrote this badass song about a ten year old!?
You know what? I don't care if he's 10, or 50, or even a friggin' baby, he's still more hardcore than I'll ever be, and I'm 32!
Wait, Max! Watch out for your helmet!
Max didn't wear his helmet
Now he has suffered a concussion
And he will be in a coma for the next three weeks
But it was worth it because
Helmets make you look really geeky.
Why do I sound like a bad a rip-off
Of the Red Hot Chili Peppers?
-Az-
He doesn't wear a helmet 'cause he's so cool
He keeps his helmet on his bars
Darts out randomly in front of cars
Talks on his phone while rollin' down the street
He even has a girlfriend, ISN'T THAT SWEET!?
He hits on chicks even if they're skanky
He smells his pits and THEY'RE HELLA STINKY!
OK, I just need to clarify one mother f---ing thing, Max is a bad ass mother f---er, if you dont f---ing believe me, then look at his mother f---ing helmet on his mother f---ing handlebars, holy s--- that guy is hardcore! Oh yeah, and he swears a s---load, and everyone knows that's f---ing awesome!
What's this? Is this is a hardcore part? YEAH!! Just like Max!
HIS NAME IS MAX!
HE DOESN'T WEAR A HELMET!
HE KEEPS IT ON HIS HANDLEBAR!
HE'S FAILING ALL HIS CLASSES!
AND HE'S ONLY... 10!?
What? I thought he was like 26. So you're telling me that I wrote this badass song about a ten year old!?
You know what? I don't care if he's 10, or 50, or even a friggin' baby, he's still more hardcore than I'll ever be, and I'm 32!
Wait, Max! Watch out for your helmet!
Max didn't wear his helmet
Now he has suffered a concussion
And he will be in a coma for the next three weeks
But it was worth it because
Helmets make you look really geeky.
Why do I sound like a bad a rip-off
Of the Red Hot Chili Peppers?
-Az-
Lyrics submitted by azathothian666
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Best song ever hahahahahah