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.
Staring at the white above
Can't tell if I'm alive or am I dead?
Or is it in my head?
Where'd I go wrong?
Staring at the white above
One day I closed my eyes and here I am
A cold, unhappy man
I've come to realize that the life I have I hate
The pulse I need is slowly fading
Until I've lost it all
I've been waiting for an inspiration
For a chance I never got to take
Before it's much too late
Where'd I go wrong?
[Chorus]
Where's the boy that used to run?
Could it be he's up and gone away?
He seems so far away (he seems so far away-ay)
And all the things I could have done
Could it be they've up and gone away
They seem to far away (they seem so far away-ay)
It feels as if the boy in me has
Left and been replaced with a cheap and bitter
Imposter of myself
I must find the one that used to be
Approach him slow and don't be afraid to say
"Can he come out and play?"
Where'd I go wrong?
[Chorus]
Staring at the sky above
I found a chance I'm finally going to take
I've learned from my mistakes
Where'd I go wrong?
[Chorus]
Where'd I go wrong?
Where'd I go wrong?
Can't tell if I'm alive or am I dead?
Or is it in my head?
Where'd I go wrong?
Staring at the white above
One day I closed my eyes and here I am
A cold, unhappy man
I've come to realize that the life I have I hate
The pulse I need is slowly fading
Until I've lost it all
I've been waiting for an inspiration
For a chance I never got to take
Before it's much too late
Where'd I go wrong?
[Chorus]
Where's the boy that used to run?
Could it be he's up and gone away?
He seems so far away (he seems so far away-ay)
And all the things I could have done
Could it be they've up and gone away
They seem to far away (they seem so far away-ay)
It feels as if the boy in me has
Left and been replaced with a cheap and bitter
Imposter of myself
I must find the one that used to be
Approach him slow and don't be afraid to say
"Can he come out and play?"
Where'd I go wrong?
[Chorus]
Staring at the sky above
I found a chance I'm finally going to take
I've learned from my mistakes
Where'd I go wrong?
[Chorus]
Where'd I go wrong?
Where'd I go wrong?
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