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, you don't belong
In this prison-like hospital
But I feel so responsible
And I know you feel ashamed
Just show me what you started with, that blade
Brought you some clean clothes
A calling card for the payphone
Magazines, headphones, CDs,
To grant you a distraction
Cause I know there's no one here to take you home
You'll be alright
My sound advice
Just hope you know
We are done
It's time to move on
Losing your voice in the crowded streets
Pulsing crunch of machinery
Oh so harsh frequency
In the city that we love
We love, we love, we love, love
Paint chipped and scraped
Evidence of forced entry
Red with disgust, violated
Remind me why I love
Living in this city I call home
Passenger's side, left open wide
Glass scattered about
Broken along with my optimism
Losing your voice in the crowded streets
Pulsing crunch of machinery
The oh so harsh frequency
In the city that we love
We love, we love, we love, love
None of your schemes work on me
Smoke signals are jokes to see
The smell sticks to your clothes
It's on everything I own
Like the rain that seeps through the cracks in my rubber soul
In this prison-like hospital
But I feel so responsible
And I know you feel ashamed
Just show me what you started with, that blade
Brought you some clean clothes
A calling card for the payphone
Magazines, headphones, CDs,
To grant you a distraction
Cause I know there's no one here to take you home
You'll be alright
My sound advice
Just hope you know
We are done
It's time to move on
Losing your voice in the crowded streets
Pulsing crunch of machinery
Oh so harsh frequency
In the city that we love
We love, we love, we love, love
Paint chipped and scraped
Evidence of forced entry
Red with disgust, violated
Remind me why I love
Living in this city I call home
Passenger's side, left open wide
Glass scattered about
Broken along with my optimism
Losing your voice in the crowded streets
Pulsing crunch of machinery
The oh so harsh frequency
In the city that we love
We love, we love, we love, love
None of your schemes work on me
Smoke signals are jokes to see
The smell sticks to your clothes
It's on everything I own
Like the rain that seeps through the cracks in my rubber soul
Lyrics submitted by alinamatters
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