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.
Afternoon has settled long and heavy on my shoulders
The winter's light feels different on my skin
It doesn't seem to strike as far below the surface so
I have to conclude that shadow won't let it in
Shadow won't let it in
Shadow won't let it in
December
You've always been a problem child
December
You run me down right restless and wild and I remember
When you used to be mine
December oh
December oh
The leaves are all still changing, the weather here is mild and vacant
A winter's blooming on Los Angeles
The artificial cold is more than I was hoping for but not enough to consume
The darkened state I'm in
The darkened state I'm in
The darkened state I'm in
December
You've always been a problem child
December
You run me down right restless and wild and I remember
When you used to be mine
December oh
December oh
Distill a whole year down into a day
Act like we all start over with a pristine slate
But to get yourself a new life you've got to give the other one away
And I'm starting to believe in the power of a name
'Cause it can't be a mistake if I just call it change
December oh
(Can't turn around now)
December (Can't turn around now)
(Can't turn around now)
December (Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
(Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
December (Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
(Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
December (Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
(Break the chain)
The winter's light feels different on my skin
It doesn't seem to strike as far below the surface so
I have to conclude that shadow won't let it in
Shadow won't let it in
Shadow won't let it in
December
You've always been a problem child
December
You run me down right restless and wild and I remember
When you used to be mine
December oh
December oh
The leaves are all still changing, the weather here is mild and vacant
A winter's blooming on Los Angeles
The artificial cold is more than I was hoping for but not enough to consume
The darkened state I'm in
The darkened state I'm in
The darkened state I'm in
December
You've always been a problem child
December
You run me down right restless and wild and I remember
When you used to be mine
December oh
December oh
Distill a whole year down into a day
Act like we all start over with a pristine slate
But to get yourself a new life you've got to give the other one away
And I'm starting to believe in the power of a name
'Cause it can't be a mistake if I just call it change
December oh
(Can't turn around now)
December (Can't turn around now)
(Can't turn around now)
December (Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
(Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
December (Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
(Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
December (Break the chain, can't live in circles again)
(Break the chain)
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings, edited by azneel128, ElNico
December Lyrics as written by Sara Bareilles
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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The lyrics to this song seemed awfully cryptic the first few times I listened to it. It makes more sense now when I think about the singer in a deep depression. The parts about "Distill a whole year down into a day" and the background vocals of "break the chain" are definitely about reliving a hurtful occurrence over and over, the cause for the depression.
The choice of "December" for the song title might be referencing "Summer is Over," Sara's duet with Jon McLaughlin. That song compares the end of a relationship to the Fall that comes after Summer, so I wouldn't be surprised if this song was also about the depression after a breakup. ("And I remember when you used to be mine...")