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.
Foreign countries, hardwood floors, and trying to sleep
Foreign languages on all three channels of TV
I don't want no drama or baggage
Don't tell me complicated stories about who you used to be
But are different and have changed as a person completely
And I am not sure that I want any single part of this
Any single part of any of this shit
Cause everybody pays
Everybody's head is in the noose
You're part of the program, get with the program
Cause everybody comes and falls asleep
Lies awake and pretends to be sleeping
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
Keep it simple and honest, stop crying you're an adult
I could stand up, I could man up
It's just so convenient to be fragile
This pain is constant and sharp
Watching the singles that you send
I wanna feel lethal, on the inside
I wanna read American Psycho again
But I'm not sure that I want any single part of this
Any single part of any of this shit
Cause everybody pays, yeah everybody's head is in the noose
You're part of a program, get with the program
Cause everybody comes and falls asleep
Lies awake and pretends to be sleeping
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
Even listening
But everybody pays, yeah everybody's head is in the noose
You're part of the program, get with the program
Cause everybody comes and falls asleep
Lies awake and pretends to be sleeping
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
Even listening to me
Foreign languages on all three channels of TV
I don't want no drama or baggage
Don't tell me complicated stories about who you used to be
But are different and have changed as a person completely
And I am not sure that I want any single part of this
Any single part of any of this shit
Cause everybody pays
Everybody's head is in the noose
You're part of the program, get with the program
Cause everybody comes and falls asleep
Lies awake and pretends to be sleeping
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
Keep it simple and honest, stop crying you're an adult
I could stand up, I could man up
It's just so convenient to be fragile
This pain is constant and sharp
Watching the singles that you send
I wanna feel lethal, on the inside
I wanna read American Psycho again
But I'm not sure that I want any single part of this
Any single part of any of this shit
Cause everybody pays, yeah everybody's head is in the noose
You're part of a program, get with the program
Cause everybody comes and falls asleep
Lies awake and pretends to be sleeping
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
Even listening
But everybody pays, yeah everybody's head is in the noose
You're part of the program, get with the program
Cause everybody comes and falls asleep
Lies awake and pretends to be sleeping
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
You're not even sleeping, you're probably even listening
Even listening to me
Lyrics submitted by MX5
The Boredom Is the Reason I Started Swimming. It's Also the Reason I Started Sinking song meanings
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In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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For me, this song is about touring and the stress that it can bring. I heard that touring can take its toll on artists and for me, thats what this song is about.
Specificly, I think its about how touring with the band, can cause the singer (I.E, Brian Sella) to feel depressed and lost. In the first stanza, he is talking about not understanding the situation he is in and feeling away from home. in the chorus, I think he talks about the effect that touring is having on him. after the chorus, he talks about having to "suck it up" and keep going.
after that, he repeats the chorus. I just wanted to elaborate on why I think this song is about touring.