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.
Can you believe it,
I've won no medals
In this love game.
I've been resting on my laurels,
I'm a bad loser,
I'm a yard off my pace.
I smell rubber
And I soon discover
That you're gone for good.
My indiscretions
Made a bad impression,
I guess I was misunderstood.
I thought you needed my lovin',
But it's my heart that you stole.
I thought you wanted my money,
But you plundered my soul.
(Plundered my soul)
I started askin' around,
But your friends
Pretty lips were sealed.
I wrote a letter
Full of trite confessions
About wounds that heal.
I heard some gossip,
You'd become an alcoholic,
You were dryin' out.
So I phoned every clinic
In the Yellow Pages,
Not a trace I found.
I thought you needed my lovin',
But it's my heart that you stole.
I thought you wanted my money,
But you plundered my soul.
(Plundered my soul)
I hate quittin',
But I'm close to admittin'
I'm a sorry case.
But on quiet reflection,
My sad rejection's
Not a total disgrace.
But I do miss your quick repartee
And the smile
That lights up your face.
You'll be a hard act to follow,
A bitter pill to swallow,
You'll be tough, you'll be tough to replace.
I thought you wanted my lovin',
But it's my heart that you stole.
You were a trick up my sleeve,
My ace in the hole.
I thought you wanted my money,
But you plundered my soul.
Oh, plundered my soul
Oh yeah (plundered my soul)
You plundered my soul
Yeah, yeah (plundered my soul)
Oh, yes, yes, yes you, baby
(Plundered my soul)
I've won no medals
In this love game.
I've been resting on my laurels,
I'm a bad loser,
I'm a yard off my pace.
I smell rubber
And I soon discover
That you're gone for good.
My indiscretions
Made a bad impression,
I guess I was misunderstood.
I thought you needed my lovin',
But it's my heart that you stole.
I thought you wanted my money,
But you plundered my soul.
(Plundered my soul)
I started askin' around,
But your friends
Pretty lips were sealed.
I wrote a letter
Full of trite confessions
About wounds that heal.
I heard some gossip,
You'd become an alcoholic,
You were dryin' out.
So I phoned every clinic
In the Yellow Pages,
Not a trace I found.
I thought you needed my lovin',
But it's my heart that you stole.
I thought you wanted my money,
But you plundered my soul.
(Plundered my soul)
I hate quittin',
But I'm close to admittin'
I'm a sorry case.
But on quiet reflection,
My sad rejection's
Not a total disgrace.
But I do miss your quick repartee
And the smile
That lights up your face.
You'll be a hard act to follow,
A bitter pill to swallow,
You'll be tough, you'll be tough to replace.
I thought you wanted my lovin',
But it's my heart that you stole.
You were a trick up my sleeve,
My ace in the hole.
I thought you wanted my money,
But you plundered my soul.
Oh, plundered my soul
Oh yeah (plundered my soul)
You plundered my soul
Yeah, yeah (plundered my soul)
Oh, yes, yes, yes you, baby
(Plundered my soul)
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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No comments?? This song rocks! Awesome lyrics. It's a great heartbreak, blues kinda song.
I agree. I was shocked when I looked up this song and saw only one comment. Usually you can tell if a song was a big hit by seeing how many comments it has on here. Based on that, this song must not have been that big of a hit, but it should have been.<br /> I am not a fan of the Rolling Stones at all and usually dislike how Mick Jagger sings, but this song is so perfect. It works in every way.<br /> I think it's about a man who is a womanizer and has never really cared or put much work into a relationship, and that lifestyle ends up biting him in the ass because he realizes, just a bit too late, that he found a keeper and treated her like the everyday trash he has been with.<br /> Amazing song. I think the best line is near the beginning...<br /> "I smell rubber and I soon discover that you're gone for good."
A great reflection on past mistakes and regrets and grievances that come with it.