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're the words that come out easy,
And I am speechless at best.
Your star it seems to shine above the rest.
You're the face before the cameras,
The smile I'd like to earn.
The closest thing to perfect,
In a hollywood to burn.
You're the beauty that is deeper,
Than eyes can merely see.
The closest thing to perfect.
But the farthest thing from me.
[Chorus: x2]
I'd love to be,
The shoulder that you cry on.
I'd love to be,
The friend you call when things are great.
You're the dream that hasn't ended,
And I'm still anxious for rest.
Your words they seem to hang above my head.
You're the bud before the flower,
Unfurls into full bloom.
Captivating beauty,
But it maybe all too soon.
You're the song that writes a story,
But leaves a lot to read.
The closest thing to perfect,
But the farthest thing from me.
[Chorus x2]
And like I really deserve a chance to,
Sit across the table,
And tell you that I think you're wonderful.
And I think you're something special.
I guess this is my only chance to,
Say I wish I knew you,
Because I'm sure you're wonderful,
If I'd get to know you.
And I am speechless at best.
Your star it seems to shine above the rest.
You're the face before the cameras,
The smile I'd like to earn.
The closest thing to perfect,
In a hollywood to burn.
You're the beauty that is deeper,
Than eyes can merely see.
The closest thing to perfect.
But the farthest thing from me.
[Chorus: x2]
I'd love to be,
The shoulder that you cry on.
I'd love to be,
The friend you call when things are great.
You're the dream that hasn't ended,
And I'm still anxious for rest.
Your words they seem to hang above my head.
You're the bud before the flower,
Unfurls into full bloom.
Captivating beauty,
But it maybe all too soon.
You're the song that writes a story,
But leaves a lot to read.
The closest thing to perfect,
But the farthest thing from me.
[Chorus x2]
And like I really deserve a chance to,
Sit across the table,
And tell you that I think you're wonderful.
And I think you're something special.
I guess this is my only chance to,
Say I wish I knew you,
Because I'm sure you're wonderful,
If I'd get to know you.
Lyrics submitted by imapunxlvr
The Closest Thing Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
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I think this song is obviously talking about someone in their life who think they're pretty much perfect for them and because of that they feel like they don't deserve them. I love this song just because it goes into so much detail about describing the person with metaphors.
i love this song... i think it's so beautiful and just gets all the emotion of how he feels about this particular person.. LOVE it!!!
This song is simply beautiful. It's so captivating. The lyrics are pure soul and 100% meaningful. It describes the one you love the way you see them, however, you feel as if you do not deserve them because they're amazing. I like it a lot.
ok ur all full of shit.....dis song is realle about how so perfect this gurl is in everyway and how he onlee wishes dat he could get a chance to be with her.....but he can't because he realle doesn't knoe dis gurl.....its wut he wishes he could have, its a gurl in his head
@pUnK e Holy spelling typos lol. But I actually think you got the gist of it.
i interpreted this song as being about maybe an actress he has a crush on........
this is my song to a the girl i wish to have. great words for great music to make an AWESOME song
this is my song to the girl i wish to have. great words for great music to make an AWESOME song
I think that Punk e is full of shit. Of course, someone who can't even speak like a normal human most likly wo't be able to understand the beautiful poetry in this song. He obviously has a crush on this girl, but thinks that she is too perfect to even speak too. This song always makes me cry... it's just so sweet!
i actually have to agree with Punk E. i think this song is about a celebrity that this person thinks just may be the perfect girl. the closest thing to perfect in a hollywood to burn. that means that most if not all of hollywood is fake but this one person is the closest to perfect.
he is obviously singing about someone that he doesn't know because "i guess this is my only chance to say i wish i knew you..." because this may be a famous person, he doesn't feel like he deserves to talk to or even meet her
ok well alls i havta say is this song is explaining a guy that has been watching this girl and obviously is a star..he wishes he could b the one for her...He thinks shes perfect in every way and in the end he relizes he doesnt know her and he wishes he did