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've been running from the pain
Steps far from possible.
Three years and too much change
I'm still impossible.
Throw my compass in the air
Ground please break make me lost
Take my eyes and direction
X marks nothing at all.
May I speak?
Here's a thought
Wait a million or two about the things that I've done and those that I'd like to.
Slept with a stripper and prayed with a saint
Asked for forgiveness then binged for days.
Here's a poem that bleeds for me
Stitches my words and cradles my speech.
What does sorrow ever mean to me if I don't care?
But I really do care.
There's a girl I love but can't bear to be with
A dream so close but always short of reaching.
And since I hurt I'll scream that I don't care
I hate that I really do care.
We've been running from the pain
Steps far from possible.
Three years and too much change
I'm still impossible.
May I speak?
In the end what could be said?
We scrape our knees, we try our best.
But the question that cuts me deep
Will I wake up one morning and truly believe
I alone am not a tragedy
I am worthy of the air I breathe
I am worthy of the term I seek, beautiful,
Because that's my favorite word.
I weaponize seconds
And I hold minutes hostage
I weaponize seconds
And I hold minutes hostage.
Is it safe to say "I miss you" when you're not here to listen?
When they come for me
I'll be stepping the dead walk
Kill them all
Let God sort them out..
Let God sort them out.
Steps far from possible.
Three years and too much change
I'm still impossible.
Throw my compass in the air
Ground please break make me lost
Take my eyes and direction
X marks nothing at all.
May I speak?
Here's a thought
Wait a million or two about the things that I've done and those that I'd like to.
Slept with a stripper and prayed with a saint
Asked for forgiveness then binged for days.
Here's a poem that bleeds for me
Stitches my words and cradles my speech.
What does sorrow ever mean to me if I don't care?
But I really do care.
There's a girl I love but can't bear to be with
A dream so close but always short of reaching.
And since I hurt I'll scream that I don't care
I hate that I really do care.
We've been running from the pain
Steps far from possible.
Three years and too much change
I'm still impossible.
May I speak?
In the end what could be said?
We scrape our knees, we try our best.
But the question that cuts me deep
Will I wake up one morning and truly believe
I alone am not a tragedy
I am worthy of the air I breathe
I am worthy of the term I seek, beautiful,
Because that's my favorite word.
I weaponize seconds
And I hold minutes hostage
I weaponize seconds
And I hold minutes hostage.
Is it safe to say "I miss you" when you're not here to listen?
When they come for me
I'll be stepping the dead walk
Kill them all
Let God sort them out..
Let God sort them out.
Lyrics submitted by JBrands
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