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.
Every words a new regret*
If you say it right, right
Every wound can be forgotten
In the right light
Oh nostalgia I don't need you anymore
'Cause the salad days are over
And the meat is at my door
'Cause they might
Try to tell you how you can live your life
But don't don't forget it's your right
To do whatever you like, you like
'Cause you can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
You can be the star, you can shine so bright
You can be your own
'Cause their gonna tell you all the rules to break
To take away that light
You can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
Depression is a little like happy hour, right
It's always gotta be happening somewhere on any given night
And oh nostalgia I don't need you anymore
I just hope, my perfect stranger, that my kids look more like yours
'Cause they might
Try to tell you how you can live your life
But don't don't forget it's your right
To do whatever you like, you like
'Cause you can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
You can be the star, you can shine so bright
You can be your own
'Cause their gonna tell you all the rules to break
To take away that light, somebody somebody now
You can be your own spotlight
You can be your own cause I had, a little bit of bad luck
If you say it right, right
Every wound can be forgotten
In the right light
Oh nostalgia I don't need you anymore
'Cause the salad days are over
And the meat is at my door
'Cause they might
Try to tell you how you can live your life
But don't don't forget it's your right
To do whatever you like, you like
'Cause you can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
You can be the star, you can shine so bright
You can be your own
'Cause their gonna tell you all the rules to break
To take away that light
You can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
Depression is a little like happy hour, right
It's always gotta be happening somewhere on any given night
And oh nostalgia I don't need you anymore
I just hope, my perfect stranger, that my kids look more like yours
'Cause they might
Try to tell you how you can live your life
But don't don't forget it's your right
To do whatever you like, you like
'Cause you can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
You can be your own spotlight
You can be the star, you can shine so bright
You can be your own
'Cause their gonna tell you all the rules to break
To take away that light, somebody somebody now
You can be your own spotlight
You can be your own cause I had, a little bit of bad luck
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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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isn't there a line missing at the end of the chorus?
"Cuz they’re gonna tell you all the rules to break to take away that light of somebody, somebody now"
that is, in the lyircs for the "new regrets" version. maybe if the author could specifiy which lyrics these are to?
either way, love this. so much. and i like new regrets better. i feel like its more soulful/r&b sounding which is what he's always aimed for, even if others may argue that its "top 40" material...great job patrick, i'll always support you