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.
I'm being followed by my shadow
He's been creeping around
Asking where I've been
He keeps tapping on my shoulder
Telling me it's over
So where do I begin?
These dark days are getting harder
I feel I'm treading water
So will I sink or swim
Roll on, push a little further
I keep saying is this worth it
Or should I just give in
I don't know
I don't know which way I'm supposed to spin
In this circle
And I won't waste my time on your concern
'Til it's over
I look back on a distant border
I fear I'm getting older
There's so much that I missed
Walk on following a fate line
See if I can define
Where I came undone
I don't know which way I'm supposed to spin
In this circle
And I won't waste my time on your concern
'Til it's over
And I will wait my turn
My time will come
This ain't over
And I can't wait no more
No sweet return
This is over
So it is
(No sweet return)
So it is
(No sweet return)
So it is
(No sweet return)
So it is
(No sweet return)
This is over
He's been creeping around
Asking where I've been
He keeps tapping on my shoulder
Telling me it's over
So where do I begin?
These dark days are getting harder
I feel I'm treading water
So will I sink or swim
Roll on, push a little further
I keep saying is this worth it
Or should I just give in
I don't know
I don't know which way I'm supposed to spin
In this circle
And I won't waste my time on your concern
'Til it's over
I look back on a distant border
I fear I'm getting older
There's so much that I missed
Walk on following a fate line
See if I can define
Where I came undone
I don't know which way I'm supposed to spin
In this circle
And I won't waste my time on your concern
'Til it's over
And I will wait my turn
My time will come
This ain't over
And I can't wait no more
No sweet return
This is over
So it is
(No sweet return)
So it is
(No sweet return)
So it is
(No sweet return)
So it is
(No sweet return)
This is over
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