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.
he wakes himself up with a monkey wrench, straightens out his spine, he does it all the time, everytime. no matter how hard he may scrub, he's just rubbing it in. he washes his hair with a bar of soap, but it doesn't get it clean. it's like a smack in the face, or a shot in the arm, he doesn't appear to help, but he doesnt do any harm. He'd rather just sustain in his comfortable routine, his comfortable routine and a mad magazine. He's got a ball-point pen tattoo on the skin stretched across his bones. There's nothing worse than being in a crowded room and feeling all alone sits on the curb from dusk til dawn, he's peeling off his core, ripped up and torn. it's better living through chemistry, it's an escape, it's a vulnerability, and then the twilight comes.
Lyrics submitted by PLANES
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i think its genious the way the impossibles equate this state that the kid is in to a ballpoint pen tattoo on the skin stretched across his bones. this is the kind of picture that lets you really visualize the lonely nature of this kid, that he just sits and draws on himself while daydreaming in class
they really do (did) write beautiful lyrics. they still are my favorite band. and this song makes me sad... poor little simon
no matter how hard he may scrub he's just rubbing it in
hahahhaha sad day for simon
I always found this song to be about someone who no one really understands...
"Theres nothing worse than being in a crowded room and feeling all alone"
this also is the most true thing ive ever heard
I'd like to echo the previous posters. I love this line:
"He's got a ball-point pen tattoo on the skin stretched across his bones"
The imagery is succinct and I think of a thin kid or man with crude tattoos. Keep in mind mbc4ny: it's a tattoo. Not just daily scribblings.
also
"There's nothing worse than being in a crowded room and feeling all alone"
As an introvert, this line is incredibly powerful to me. ross2p: I completely agree.