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 know you and I can't believe you;
When you say you give, when given to.
I called you in, I know you won't be
Offering your care and making me;
I need you and you know I'm only
Cautioned to the wind when it's blowing.
I called you in, I know you won't be
Offering your care get me out of here soon
I'll be heading out, hunting season here soon,
You go be a girl, I'll go searching for food,
You take care of him, I'll take care of;
You take care of him, I'll take care of..
How I'm suppose to know that?
How I'm supposed to know?
How I'm suppose to know that?
How I'm supposed to know?
How I'm suppose to know that?
How I'm supposed to know that you need me?
How I'm suppose to know that?
How I'm supposed to know?
I know you did your talking with me
As a trophy head, it's so easy.
I know you when, I let you get me,
Chase me to my death while I'm wasting.
I called you in, I know you won't be
Listening to the wind; when I'm leaving.
I give to you, I don't know what
It's going to take me to get you out of my sight
This is what I've been waiting for the red light
You go be a girl I'll be leaving tonight
You take care of him, I take care of;
You take care of him, I take care of..
You know you did, you held on for too long
You know you did, you held on for too long
You know you did, you held on for too long
You know you did, you held on for too long
When you say you give, when given to.
I called you in, I know you won't be
Offering your care and making me;
I need you and you know I'm only
Cautioned to the wind when it's blowing.
I called you in, I know you won't be
Offering your care get me out of here soon
I'll be heading out, hunting season here soon,
You go be a girl, I'll go searching for food,
You take care of him, I'll take care of;
You take care of him, I'll take care of..
How I'm suppose to know that?
How I'm supposed to know?
How I'm suppose to know that?
How I'm supposed to know?
How I'm suppose to know that?
How I'm supposed to know that you need me?
How I'm suppose to know that?
How I'm supposed to know?
I know you did your talking with me
As a trophy head, it's so easy.
I know you when, I let you get me,
Chase me to my death while I'm wasting.
I called you in, I know you won't be
Listening to the wind; when I'm leaving.
I give to you, I don't know what
It's going to take me to get you out of my sight
This is what I've been waiting for the red light
You go be a girl I'll be leaving tonight
You take care of him, I take care of;
You take care of him, I take care of..
You know you did, you held on for too long
You know you did, you held on for too long
You know you did, you held on for too long
You know you did, you held on for too long
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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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This is a brilliant song by a brilliant band. Specific parts that I love are the contempt I hear in the way "I hope you're well as I am fine" is sung, the little ending of the first part "I miss you on certain days". I think IsitLuck is pretty spot on with his/her interpretation of that part.
and to be honest one of the most intense parts of this song (and the album) is not even in words - the part in the middle with the screaming and muttering. Don't really know how to interpret it. I think it is somebody screaming at themselves and all the separate parts of their brain, which are all trying to give advice and talking about their own problems.