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.
They showed me to the woods
Said I should sit and wait
"The dealer with the stuff
Ain't gonna be late."
It's starting to get dark
And no one's showing up
I'm starting to think
I was better off staying at home
There's a van stopping by
There's a strange guy inside
Takes my money
And gives me my goodbye pills
As I drive my car home
As I think about the times
When I didn't need all this shit
To still feel alive
Lights flashing by
A policeman inside says
"Son, do you mind
Getting out of the car?"
He asks me what do I have
Then takes the pills from my hands
Says I'm good and drives off
With my precious stuff
Said I should sit and wait
"The dealer with the stuff
Ain't gonna be late."
It's starting to get dark
And no one's showing up
I'm starting to think
I was better off staying at home
There's a van stopping by
There's a strange guy inside
Takes my money
And gives me my goodbye pills
As I drive my car home
As I think about the times
When I didn't need all this shit
To still feel alive
Lights flashing by
A policeman inside says
"Son, do you mind
Getting out of the car?"
He asks me what do I have
Then takes the pills from my hands
Says I'm good and drives off
With my precious stuff
Lyrics submitted by BleedorBreathe
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.