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.
You strike a low blow
You fight a dirty fight
Right to the heart
You're putting me away
Time was movin' slow
But I was in control
There were so many things
I should've said
But couldn't think of one word
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
First I was ashamed
Then I was inflamed
I wanted to hurt you
Saidthat delayed reaction, oh no
First I was alright
And then I had to fight
I wanted to hurt you
I wanted to hurt you so
It was a backlash
No, I couldn't let it pass
I was so mad, I couldn't keep it down
I made it real tough
Ooh, I had to blow you off
I couldn't stand it having you around
I couldn't stand the sound, no
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
First I was ashamed
And then I was inflamed
I wanted to hurt you
Say that delayed reaction, oh no
First I was alright
And then I had to fight with you
I wanted to hurt you
I wanted to hurt you so
But if the rage is right
Oh, you would better be wrong
'Cause if I force a fight
Well, then I'm twice a fool
Ooh, I could've listened more
Was that what you were waiting for?
I can't imagine why, I can't imagine why
I can't imagine why you'd wanna let it go
I didn't wanna blow but
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
At first I was ashamed
And then I was inflamed
I wanted to hurt you
Say that delayed reaction, oh no
At first I was alright
And then I had to fight with you
I wanted to hurt you so
(Delayed reaction, oh yeah)
Ooh, I had to fight, fight, fight you
(Delayed reaction, oh no)
Just let the love blow
You've had a dirty fight
(Delayed reaction, oh yeah)
What good is saying
I lost my head, I didn't mean it, girl
(Delayed reaction, oh no)
Ooh baby, ooh baby
I can't imagine why
You wanna let it go
(Delayed reaction, oh yeah)
Ooh and the boy's so fine
And I'm twice the fool
(Delayed reaction, oh no)
I can't imagine why
You fight a dirty fight
Right to the heart
You're putting me away
Time was movin' slow
But I was in control
There were so many things
I should've said
But couldn't think of one word
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
First I was ashamed
Then I was inflamed
I wanted to hurt you
Saidthat delayed reaction, oh no
First I was alright
And then I had to fight
I wanted to hurt you
I wanted to hurt you so
It was a backlash
No, I couldn't let it pass
I was so mad, I couldn't keep it down
I made it real tough
Ooh, I had to blow you off
I couldn't stand it having you around
I couldn't stand the sound, no
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
First I was ashamed
And then I was inflamed
I wanted to hurt you
Say that delayed reaction, oh no
First I was alright
And then I had to fight with you
I wanted to hurt you
I wanted to hurt you so
But if the rage is right
Oh, you would better be wrong
'Cause if I force a fight
Well, then I'm twice a fool
Ooh, I could've listened more
Was that what you were waiting for?
I can't imagine why, I can't imagine why
I can't imagine why you'd wanna let it go
I didn't wanna blow but
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
At first I was ashamed
And then I was inflamed
I wanted to hurt you
Say that delayed reaction, oh no
At first I was alright
And then I had to fight with you
I wanted to hurt you so
(Delayed reaction, oh yeah)
Ooh, I had to fight, fight, fight you
(Delayed reaction, oh no)
Just let the love blow
You've had a dirty fight
(Delayed reaction, oh yeah)
What good is saying
I lost my head, I didn't mean it, girl
(Delayed reaction, oh no)
Ooh baby, ooh baby
I can't imagine why
You wanna let it go
(Delayed reaction, oh yeah)
Ooh and the boy's so fine
And I'm twice the fool
(Delayed reaction, oh no)
I can't imagine why
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Delayed Reaction Lyrics as written by John Oates Daryl Hall
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.