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.
Well I fly off the handle
A little too quick
Guess you could call me a nervous man
For the last week or two
It don't take too much
To make me want to raise my hand
Well it's one of those days
When you'd rather not be
So low down and dirty
Your luck's out to sea
Well I fly off the handle
A little too fast
You know friends think I look like an angry man
Like bad memory turned up again
I find it hard not to raise my hand
Well it's one of those towns
Where you'd rather not stay
Come back and see it
Some other day
Well it's one of those nights
When you know you're alone
Feeling half crazy
Just body and soul
Well my cat won't scratch
Or show its claws
It just prowls around the house all day
For the last night or two
I can't eat or drink
I think I'm gonna fade away
Well it's one of those days
When you'd rather not be
So low down and lonesome
A little too quick
Guess you could call me a nervous man
For the last week or two
It don't take too much
To make me want to raise my hand
Well it's one of those days
When you'd rather not be
So low down and dirty
Your luck's out to sea
Well I fly off the handle
A little too fast
You know friends think I look like an angry man
Like bad memory turned up again
I find it hard not to raise my hand
Well it's one of those towns
Where you'd rather not stay
Come back and see it
Some other day
Well it's one of those nights
When you know you're alone
Feeling half crazy
Just body and soul
Well my cat won't scratch
Or show its claws
It just prowls around the house all day
For the last night or two
I can't eat or drink
I think I'm gonna fade away
Well it's one of those days
When you'd rather not be
So low down and lonesome
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Off the Handle Lyrics as written by Rory Gallagher
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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