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’m so sorry for the things I’ve done
And what I did to you is up there number 1.
So sweaty of palm and tongue tied tight,
We’ll sit here and talk late into the night.
Yesteryear still rings my ear.
Like buttons and pins this mess we’re in
dissolves in time.
I know that this time is quite different from when we first met
The years haven’t been kind worn down by regret
So take hope theres still enough of what made this young man left
All that once was is not quite gone yet.
Cause we are old friends you and I,
many a time sat silent at my side.
And if this is to be our last goodbye
I’ll take with me a part of you that never dies.
Yesteryear still rings my ear.
Like buttons and pins this mess we’re in
dissolves in time.
I know that this time is quite different from when we first met
The years haven’t been kind worn down by regret
So take hope theres still enough of what made this young man left
All that once was is not quite gone yet.
And what I did to you is up there number 1.
So sweaty of palm and tongue tied tight,
We’ll sit here and talk late into the night.
Yesteryear still rings my ear.
Like buttons and pins this mess we’re in
dissolves in time.
I know that this time is quite different from when we first met
The years haven’t been kind worn down by regret
So take hope theres still enough of what made this young man left
All that once was is not quite gone yet.
Cause we are old friends you and I,
many a time sat silent at my side.
And if this is to be our last goodbye
I’ll take with me a part of you that never dies.
Yesteryear still rings my ear.
Like buttons and pins this mess we’re in
dissolves in time.
I know that this time is quite different from when we first met
The years haven’t been kind worn down by regret
So take hope theres still enough of what made this young man left
All that once was is not quite gone yet.
Lyrics submitted by Thistis
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I think it isn't a 'wanting ex back' at all. This song means so much to me bc it reminds me of me and my best friend. Through all of the shit I've put him through, he's still there for me. THAT is the emotion that I personally feel