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.
Anyone can go back to sleep
So can I.
If I roll over and start counting sheep
Now what does it matter anyway?
Anyone can sit down and breathe
So can I.
It's not as easy to be at ease with it.
Now what does it matter anyway?
Anyone can waste a day
So can I.
Getting wasted gets too much of a waste in time.
What does it matter anyway?
Anyone can make mistakes
So can I.
If the great mistake left no trace
Does it make it alright?
Or does it matter in a way?
It don't matter much.
That it does matter what matters
Once it does it's too late.
Now what does it matter anyway?
Not much more than what's just a matter of that it does matter at all.
I sure know how to lie on my bed
With nothing in particular going through my head.
All it takes to lie down is having a back
And I sure have one
Look I'm doing it again.
I should know how to get dead drunk every weekend
With nothing in particular going through my head.
I sure know just how
I'm afraid it's all I know
And I'll do it again and again.
It don't matter much.
That it does matter what matters
Once it does it's too late.
Now what does it matter anyway?
So can I.
If I roll over and start counting sheep
Now what does it matter anyway?
Anyone can sit down and breathe
So can I.
It's not as easy to be at ease with it.
Now what does it matter anyway?
Anyone can waste a day
So can I.
Getting wasted gets too much of a waste in time.
What does it matter anyway?
Anyone can make mistakes
So can I.
If the great mistake left no trace
Does it make it alright?
Or does it matter in a way?
It don't matter much.
That it does matter what matters
Once it does it's too late.
Now what does it matter anyway?
Not much more than what's just a matter of that it does matter at all.
I sure know how to lie on my bed
With nothing in particular going through my head.
All it takes to lie down is having a back
And I sure have one
Look I'm doing it again.
I should know how to get dead drunk every weekend
With nothing in particular going through my head.
I sure know just how
I'm afraid it's all I know
And I'll do it again and again.
It don't matter much.
That it does matter what matters
Once it does it's too late.
Now what does it matter anyway?
Lyrics submitted by audiowearshats
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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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Great version of a great song,
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