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.
You left without saying goodbye
But that's okay and I know why
I think that I would do it the same
When no one was looking, I'd just slip away
They took you to the Gulf of Mexico
They opened the lid they let you go
I might never see you again
But you'll always be my best friend and
There's no trouble in the streets
You left it there there for me
There's still so much left to do
And I won't dishonor you
This world wasn't good enough for us
Just two young punks pissed off in love
We'd put that record on and sing
"Tonight, we're gonna fuck shit up!"
And I still feel the same
But the kind of thinking drives you insane
I'd step back and I'd take breaks
But you never quit, not for a day and
There's no trouble in the streets
You left it there for me
There's still magic to be found
And I won't let you down
When I've had all that I could stand
Please burn this body down to ash
Take me to the Gulf of Mexico
Open the lid and let me go
Save a little bit in a can
And strap it to the nose of a touring van
Then at last, we'll both feel free
But please don't, please don't, don't dishonor me
Please don't, please don't, don't dishonor me
Please don't, please don't, don't dishonor me
Please don't, please don't, don't dishonor me
But that's okay and I know why
I think that I would do it the same
When no one was looking, I'd just slip away
They took you to the Gulf of Mexico
They opened the lid they let you go
I might never see you again
But you'll always be my best friend and
There's no trouble in the streets
You left it there there for me
There's still so much left to do
And I won't dishonor you
This world wasn't good enough for us
Just two young punks pissed off in love
We'd put that record on and sing
"Tonight, we're gonna fuck shit up!"
And I still feel the same
But the kind of thinking drives you insane
I'd step back and I'd take breaks
But you never quit, not for a day and
There's no trouble in the streets
You left it there for me
There's still magic to be found
And I won't let you down
When I've had all that I could stand
Please burn this body down to ash
Take me to the Gulf of Mexico
Open the lid and let me go
Save a little bit in a can
And strap it to the nose of a touring van
Then at last, we'll both feel free
But please don't, please don't, don't dishonor me
Please don't, please don't, don't dishonor me
Please don't, please don't, don't dishonor me
Please don't, please don't, don't dishonor me
Lyrics submitted by 2006200720082009
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