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.
You used to feel like a smoker
Shivering in the cold
Waiting outside the bar
Till the opener's over
But now you feel like a drinker
Twenty days off the sauce
Down at the liquor store
Trying to call your sponsor
You used to feel like the forest fire burning
But now you feel like a child
Throwing tantrums for your turn
You used to sound like a prophet
And everyone wanted to know
How you could tell the truth
Without losing that soft glow
But now you feel like a salesman
Closing another deal
Or some drunk ship captain
Raging after the white whale
You used to feel like the forest fire burning
But now you feel like a child
Throwing tantrums and then some
You used to feel like the prodigal returning
But now you hate what you've made
And you want to watch it burn
Shivering in the cold
Waiting outside the bar
Till the opener's over
But now you feel like a drinker
Twenty days off the sauce
Down at the liquor store
Trying to call your sponsor
You used to feel like the forest fire burning
But now you feel like a child
Throwing tantrums for your turn
You used to sound like a prophet
And everyone wanted to know
How you could tell the truth
Without losing that soft glow
But now you feel like a salesman
Closing another deal
Or some drunk ship captain
Raging after the white whale
You used to feel like the forest fire burning
But now you feel like a child
Throwing tantrums and then some
You used to feel like the prodigal returning
But now you hate what you've made
And you want to watch it burn
Lyrics submitted by windowbird
Lost My Shape Lyrics as written by David Shannon Bazan
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Great version of a great song,
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Definitely. this is a deeply personal conviction. This is old Pedro The Lion vs. new "enlightened" Bazan. David was always on the fringe of Christian songwriters. He went to places that most Christians wouldn't go, but somehow always was viewed as a truth-telling prophet. A forest fire burning is something of power that tears down old views to make room for new growth.. but a child throwing tantrums, well that's just kind of pitiful. Likewise.. the smoker outside the bar eager to get in and play his set after the opener finishes, while fans await his words contrasted with the pathetic, 20-day-sober alcoholic who can barely fight off the temptation to get loaded.