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.
In a sitch like this, you gotta think
And I don't think you think about the way he thinks
And I know you live life for yourself
But it all comes down to the way you help
And I know your life is such a hell
You wake up early and you work until
You have your drinks at five 'o clock
The hours blend and your thoughts all haunt
Your hopes, your dreams, your everything
Well, mama, I hope
I dream
That you won't leave
And I have a question
What is love?
What is love?
Is it giving up?
'Cause that's not how you raised me
In a sitch like this, you gotta think
And I don't think you think about the way she thinks
And I know you work hard everyday
But it all comes down to the way you're paid
And I know you're oh-so sorry, dad
And I truly believe that you're a better man
Then to share one kiss then give away
All the love you come home everyday to
Your hopes, your dreams, your everything
Well, daddy, I hope
I dream
That she won't leave
And I have a question
What is love? (What is love?)
What is love? (What is love?)
Is it giving up?
'Cause that's not how you raised me
And what is love? (What is love?)
What is love? (What is love?)
See, I don't know anymore
I used to look
Up
To
That
Love
Sweet
And I don't think you think about the way he thinks
And I know you live life for yourself
But it all comes down to the way you help
And I know your life is such a hell
You wake up early and you work until
You have your drinks at five 'o clock
The hours blend and your thoughts all haunt
Your hopes, your dreams, your everything
Well, mama, I hope
I dream
That you won't leave
And I have a question
What is love?
What is love?
Is it giving up?
'Cause that's not how you raised me
In a sitch like this, you gotta think
And I don't think you think about the way she thinks
And I know you work hard everyday
But it all comes down to the way you're paid
And I know you're oh-so sorry, dad
And I truly believe that you're a better man
Then to share one kiss then give away
All the love you come home everyday to
Your hopes, your dreams, your everything
Well, daddy, I hope
I dream
That she won't leave
And I have a question
What is love? (What is love?)
What is love? (What is love?)
Is it giving up?
'Cause that's not how you raised me
And what is love? (What is love?)
What is love? (What is love?)
See, I don't know anymore
I used to look
Up
To
That
Love
Sweet
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This reminds me of my parents.. but it was my dad who left, not my mom.. but they had been together for 17 years, and i never thought they would divorce. but they did,