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.
despair will hold a place in my heart
a bigger one than you do do do
and i will always be nicer to the cat
than i am to you you you you
dear God, i hate myself
dear God, i hate myself
and i will never be happy
and i will never feel normal
don't ask me is this line is about you
what do they do there tonite tonite?
why do they go there alright alright?
why do they live there tonite tonite?
and why do they live at all alright alright?
dear God, i hate myself
dear God, i hate myself
and i will never be happy
and i will never feel normal
why do they live there tonite tonite?
and why do they live at all alright alright?
flip off the mirror as protest
who the f-word are you you you?
and i will never be happy
and i will never feel normal
dear God, i hate myself
dear God, i hate myself
a bigger one than you do do do
and i will always be nicer to the cat
than i am to you you you you
dear God, i hate myself
dear God, i hate myself
and i will never be happy
and i will never feel normal
don't ask me is this line is about you
what do they do there tonite tonite?
why do they go there alright alright?
why do they live there tonite tonite?
and why do they live at all alright alright?
dear God, i hate myself
dear God, i hate myself
and i will never be happy
and i will never feel normal
why do they live there tonite tonite?
and why do they live at all alright alright?
flip off the mirror as protest
who the f-word are you you you?
and i will never be happy
and i will never feel normal
dear God, i hate myself
dear God, i hate myself
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Those lines remind me of how I sometimes feel about the other kids downtown. They're all out there, having fun, hanging out and doing whatever with their friends, while I'm alone wallowing in this song...