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.
We're finding out some scummy fuck just threw in a fifteen year old.
I mean com'on, man, is that the life you want?
There tearing up these dead-end blocks, revealing all the shit we wish we forgot in the shadow of this carless urban sprawl.
My Friends and I, were all fucked on the inside. but we don't let it run our lives.
One day, i'll cough all this shit out of my lungs from second hand smoking at all night restaurants and they'll be up in arms over all the shit we've done because were getting out, we're fucking gone.
This caustic suburbon sense of humor's gotten me in trouble more than a few times.
We're singing "Lucky" by Little League, fucking up until we get this right.
Just cause we're down, doesn't mean we gotta stay there.
This fucking town is like a ship gone underwater, and we'll all drown unless we cut ties to the anchor.
We'd get swallowed here.
I'm bad at staying calm, and I know this town's a time bomb.
I've been dragging my feet too long, too long.
We've been sinking all along.
So chin up and we'll drown a little slower.
I mean com'on, man, is that the life you want?
There tearing up these dead-end blocks, revealing all the shit we wish we forgot in the shadow of this carless urban sprawl.
My Friends and I, were all fucked on the inside. but we don't let it run our lives.
One day, i'll cough all this shit out of my lungs from second hand smoking at all night restaurants and they'll be up in arms over all the shit we've done because were getting out, we're fucking gone.
This caustic suburbon sense of humor's gotten me in trouble more than a few times.
We're singing "Lucky" by Little League, fucking up until we get this right.
Just cause we're down, doesn't mean we gotta stay there.
This fucking town is like a ship gone underwater, and we'll all drown unless we cut ties to the anchor.
We'd get swallowed here.
I'm bad at staying calm, and I know this town's a time bomb.
I've been dragging my feet too long, too long.
We've been sinking all along.
So chin up and we'll drown a little slower.
Lyrics submitted by WonderingTheYears
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This song is basically about them returning to a town, after their european tour, that has nothing left for them, about their history in the town and whats its made of them- that is,.. according to the listening party at punkradiocast.com, thats the definition they gave. --These lyrics are straight from their vinyl so if you think i'm mistaken in any part write a letter to them, not me. :) enjoy
I could be wrong, but I get the impression that it's also about escaping the town, getting out of it before they're swallowed into a meaningless, bland live like everyone else in that town lives.
This song is about scummy dudes who go for underage girls. Hence, first line. Plus he said that's what it's about.
Obvious, but this song is full of allusions to Catcher in the Rye. Read the book and I think it will give you a little deeper insight into what the song means in connection to those aspects already mentioned.