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.
Sad Sac + Tarzan
Walking up at the mall
Up walked a girlfriend
Said you had the gall to bring my name up again
Looking for salvation
We had an ice cream soda
I said have you ever wondered
What became of Uncle Bill?
We was peeling potatoes
Bcak in World War II
And we was playing that rock 'n' roll
After school for you know who
Hidden from the public
It was behind the scenes
There was a relic
They called the purple haze
I was eating a taco
I looked across the room
I saw a girl in a red dress
She said she'd like to do me in
I left the waiter a tip
I scrambled for the door
I said you might have loved me
But now there's nothing more
She's always on my trail
She really likes to kill
I keep her lovely picture
On my window sill
I was a cowboy without a show
I was like the kind of guy
You'd never really know
You won't forget me
No mater how hard you try
And when it's my time to go
I'll wave goodbye
Sing yourself a melody, cry a tear of joy
Walking up at the mall
Up walked a girlfriend
Said you had the gall to bring my name up again
Looking for salvation
We had an ice cream soda
I said have you ever wondered
What became of Uncle Bill?
We was peeling potatoes
Bcak in World War II
And we was playing that rock 'n' roll
After school for you know who
Hidden from the public
It was behind the scenes
There was a relic
They called the purple haze
I was eating a taco
I looked across the room
I saw a girl in a red dress
She said she'd like to do me in
I left the waiter a tip
I scrambled for the door
I said you might have loved me
But now there's nothing more
She's always on my trail
She really likes to kill
I keep her lovely picture
On my window sill
I was a cowboy without a show
I was like the kind of guy
You'd never really know
You won't forget me
No mater how hard you try
And when it's my time to go
I'll wave goodbye
Sing yourself a melody, cry a tear of joy
Lyrics submitted by everythingatbest
Sad Sac & Tarzan Lyrics as written by Daniel Johnson
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Great version of a great song,
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