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.
I've told myself so many times before
But this time I think I mean it for sure
We have reached a full stop
Nothing's going to save us from the big drop
Reached our natural conclusion
Outlived the illusion
I hate being in these situations
That call for diplomatic relations
If I only knew the answer
Or I thought we had a chance
Or I could stop this
I would stop this thing
From spreading like a cancer
What can I say?
I don't want to play anymore
What can I say?
I'm heading for the door
I can't stand this emotional violence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
We've been running around in circles all year
Doing this and that and getting nowhere
This will be the last time
I think I said that last time
If I only had a potion
Some magical lotion
That could stop this, I would stop this
I would set the wheels in motion
What can I say?
I don't want to play anymore
What can I say?
I'm heading for the door
I can't stand this emotional violence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
But this time I think I mean it for sure
We have reached a full stop
Nothing's going to save us from the big drop
Reached our natural conclusion
Outlived the illusion
I hate being in these situations
That call for diplomatic relations
If I only knew the answer
Or I thought we had a chance
Or I could stop this
I would stop this thing
From spreading like a cancer
What can I say?
I don't want to play anymore
What can I say?
I'm heading for the door
I can't stand this emotional violence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
We've been running around in circles all year
Doing this and that and getting nowhere
This will be the last time
I think I said that last time
If I only had a potion
Some magical lotion
That could stop this, I would stop this
I would set the wheels in motion
What can I say?
I don't want to play anymore
What can I say?
I'm heading for the door
I can't stand this emotional violence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
Leave in silence
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it seems to be about a relationship and how u just have to let it die peacefully bc its not gonna develop into anything else. the thing is he's known this for a while but still hasnt managed to let go and move on. u get the feeling that even after this self-confession he wouldn't be able to do so. the "we've" is what hinted me towards a relationship but it could be a relationship w. drugs, ED's whatever. This is one of my ultra fav DM songs. For me its an ultimate 80's track-new wave, power pop. Its easily dancable or at least u can continuously bop ur head to it like a young dave (w. a fully buttoned blue flannel shirt usually reserved for compulsory church services) does. I think the video is fantastic w. an experimental art theme.