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.
William
Just take your toys from me
I'm not so interested
In playing with you
A pessimist
That's all they think of you
I'm not ashamed of you
But that's what they see
And fifty cents
To buy a popsicle
A moment we could share
But you won't do that
William
Just take your attitude
I'm not in love with you
Anymore
Don't pretend
Tomorrow will be
Better for you
William
William
William
I'm sure you'll find a way to dissagree
But that's the way it goes for you and me
And that's the way it should be
Hold me down
Before I do something that I'll regret
I get the urge to take my chances when
I know I shouldn't speak
Don't pretend
Tomorrow will be
Better for you
William
William
William
William
William
Just take your time machine
I'm not so interested
In turning around
What's the use
Explaining everything you swear is true
I'm believing less in what you do
Are you misunderstood
A perfect score
A hurricane to blow me out the door
I never meant to be a safe excuse
For all of your pain
Don't pretend
Tomorrow will be
Better for you
William
William
William
William
Just take your toys from me
I'm not so interested
In playing with you
A pessimist
That's all they think of you
I'm not ashamed of you
But that's what they see
And fifty cents
To buy a popsicle
A moment we could share
But you won't do that
William
Just take your attitude
I'm not in love with you
Anymore
Don't pretend
Tomorrow will be
Better for you
William
William
William
I'm sure you'll find a way to dissagree
But that's the way it goes for you and me
And that's the way it should be
Hold me down
Before I do something that I'll regret
I get the urge to take my chances when
I know I shouldn't speak
Don't pretend
Tomorrow will be
Better for you
William
William
William
William
William
Just take your time machine
I'm not so interested
In turning around
What's the use
Explaining everything you swear is true
I'm believing less in what you do
Are you misunderstood
A perfect score
A hurricane to blow me out the door
I never meant to be a safe excuse
For all of your pain
Don't pretend
Tomorrow will be
Better for you
William
William
William
William
Lyrics submitted by saturnine
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Beautiful song. Sadly, it reminds me of my first relationship.
I think it's about a relationship that isn't working out because the two people aren't compatible with each other. It seems that they used to love each other, but the girl has grown tired of William and wants to end the relationship. He does not seem to understand this and continues to try to reconcile things with the girl. By the end of the song, it seems obvious that she has moved on, but it still has not sunk in for William who remains optimistic that they will be together again someday. In the meantime, he is harboring all of his emotions about the relationship and uses it as his excuse for the pain of his current situation.