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.
So we're back here again
Tiptoeing 'round the edge of the end
Wondering who will be last to admit
That we're finally over
Turned 21 on the day that we met
Terrible shoes, implausible dress
It's funny how sad the funny things get as you grow older
Better or worse but what else can we do
When better or worse I am tethered to you
If it's not either of us tell me who are we fooling
I learnt the art of biting my tongue
I tired of trying to guess what was wrong
Both agreed on where we should go, but not how to get there
We tried and tried to loosen the knots
Thinking once we're untangled we'll be better off
But it's these failures and faults that hold us together
Better or worse but what else can we do
When better or worse I am tethered to you
If it's not either of us tell me who are we fooling
This beautiful tangle that's bruising us blue
Is the beautiful knot that we just can't undo
Together we're one but apart tell me who are we fooling
'Cause real love is hard love
It's all we have
It's a break neck
Train wreck
It's all we have
So we're back here again
Turning away from the edge of the end
Arm in arm
Better or worse but what else can we do
When better or worse I am tethered to you
If it's not either of us tell me who are we fooling
This beautiful tangle that's bruising us blue
Is the beautiful knot that we just can't undo
If it's not either of us tell me who are we fooling
Together we're one but apart tell me who are we fooling
Tiptoeing 'round the edge of the end
Wondering who will be last to admit
That we're finally over
Turned 21 on the day that we met
Terrible shoes, implausible dress
It's funny how sad the funny things get as you grow older
Better or worse but what else can we do
When better or worse I am tethered to you
If it's not either of us tell me who are we fooling
I learnt the art of biting my tongue
I tired of trying to guess what was wrong
Both agreed on where we should go, but not how to get there
We tried and tried to loosen the knots
Thinking once we're untangled we'll be better off
But it's these failures and faults that hold us together
Better or worse but what else can we do
When better or worse I am tethered to you
If it's not either of us tell me who are we fooling
This beautiful tangle that's bruising us blue
Is the beautiful knot that we just can't undo
Together we're one but apart tell me who are we fooling
'Cause real love is hard love
It's all we have
It's a break neck
Train wreck
It's all we have
So we're back here again
Turning away from the edge of the end
Arm in arm
Better or worse but what else can we do
When better or worse I am tethered to you
If it's not either of us tell me who are we fooling
This beautiful tangle that's bruising us blue
Is the beautiful knot that we just can't undo
If it's not either of us tell me who are we fooling
Together we're one but apart tell me who are we fooling
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This song is very uplifting to me. I agree with the other user; it appears to be about a couple who are about to get a divorce because of all the issues they have but end up deciding against it because they realize that although love is hard, it's all they have. Happy, gorgeous song. :)