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.
Becoming slaves to the latest craze
Before we've seen it, we're sure we need it
And mail's replacing conversation
Human contact's been in danger
(But look how far we've come)
Falling further back with the latest breakthroughs
Sterilized the way we're communicating
Anonymity to accomplish on PC
What we now can't do for real
Point, click, order now
No need to leave the house
Technology's providing the freedom for us all
To be tethered to the wall
We've started living through posted pictures
And gaining meaning through others feedback
The kids are learning, preparing early,
From what they see, for a life behind machines
(Life behind machines)
Falling further back with the latest breakthroughs
Sterilized the way we're communicating
Anonymity to accomplish on PC
What we now can't do for real
Point, click, order now
No need to leave the house
Technology's providing the freedom for us all
To be tethered to the wall
Even when we're out with friends
There're whole groups with lowered heads
They're hypnotized in fluorescent glow
We're out together, but we're still alone
The past few years we've come so far
Wonder where we'll be in ten or twenty more...
Before we've seen it, we're sure we need it
And mail's replacing conversation
Human contact's been in danger
(But look how far we've come)
Falling further back with the latest breakthroughs
Sterilized the way we're communicating
Anonymity to accomplish on PC
What we now can't do for real
Point, click, order now
No need to leave the house
Technology's providing the freedom for us all
To be tethered to the wall
We've started living through posted pictures
And gaining meaning through others feedback
The kids are learning, preparing early,
From what they see, for a life behind machines
(Life behind machines)
Falling further back with the latest breakthroughs
Sterilized the way we're communicating
Anonymity to accomplish on PC
What we now can't do for real
Point, click, order now
No need to leave the house
Technology's providing the freedom for us all
To be tethered to the wall
Even when we're out with friends
There're whole groups with lowered heads
They're hypnotized in fluorescent glow
We're out together, but we're still alone
The past few years we've come so far
Wonder where we'll be in ten or twenty more...
Lyrics submitted by jeremy41
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