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.
With every step I take
I lose a little weight
I'm going home
I'm going straight
I could have walked right by
She could have shown the way
We could have kissed
I could stayed
I see the city lights
Like diamonds in the blue
It's all over now
I thought I needed someone
She could be
The sighs
I read them too
In her lonely eyes
If we had left together
No one would have known
I had it made
The planet gold
I see the sunbeams
Hit the pale face of the moon
So old it's new
They say
Don't miss what you have
Until it's gone
And I have you
You're all I want
And in the end
I didn't (?)
I guess it's stopped
I know it's right
I see you sleeping in the
safety of our room
So old it's new
I see you sleeping in the
safety of our room
So old it's new
With every step I take
I lose a little weight
I'm going home
I'm going straight
I lose a little weight
I'm going home
I'm going straight
I could have walked right by
She could have shown the way
We could have kissed
I could stayed
I see the city lights
Like diamonds in the blue
It's all over now
I thought I needed someone
She could be
The sighs
I read them too
In her lonely eyes
If we had left together
No one would have known
I had it made
The planet gold
I see the sunbeams
Hit the pale face of the moon
So old it's new
They say
Don't miss what you have
Until it's gone
And I have you
You're all I want
And in the end
I didn't (?)
I guess it's stopped
I know it's right
I see you sleeping in the
safety of our room
So old it's new
I see you sleeping in the
safety of our room
So old it's new
With every step I take
I lose a little weight
I'm going home
I'm going straight
Lyrics submitted by VampedVixen
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.