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.
Leon wrote a song for his special girl
And Elton and bernie did too!
But you've been mine for such a long time
Baby
It's my turn to write one for you
And this is the best
That this poor boy could do.
You see I don't know what to tell you babe
I can't say thanks a lot
For I know I really owe you
For almost everything I got.
You were with me in the good times
And when things were going bad
You were with me when your love
Was the only thing I had.
I have been a song man
For a long long time
Coming up with some melodies
Trying to find some words that rhyme.
And while I have been singing
You've been there to see me through
And so I think it's long past time
That I wrote this song for you.
I was going to keep it simple
And not make it too long
But I had hoped to make it beautiful
For after all it is your song.
You know how I love my music
It is my life and my livelihood
But of all that's happened to me babe
You are everything that's good.
And Elton and bernie did too!
But you've been mine for such a long time
Baby
It's my turn to write one for you
And this is the best
That this poor boy could do.
You see I don't know what to tell you babe
I can't say thanks a lot
For I know I really owe you
For almost everything I got.
You were with me in the good times
And when things were going bad
You were with me when your love
Was the only thing I had.
I have been a song man
For a long long time
Coming up with some melodies
Trying to find some words that rhyme.
And while I have been singing
You've been there to see me through
And so I think it's long past time
That I wrote this song for you.
I was going to keep it simple
And not make it too long
But I had hoped to make it beautiful
For after all it is your song.
You know how I love my music
It is my life and my livelihood
But of all that's happened to me babe
You are everything that's good.
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Song Man Lyrics as written by Harry F. Chapin
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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