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.
There are plenty of late nights
If you want to stay up for them
You'll just want to find yourself a friend
And tie a couple on in a night spot
Draw pictures of your soul, win the jackpot
For tears in your beer
It's hip to be miserable when you're young and intellectual
In a bit you'll admit you're a misfit
Come on home with me
We'll turn on the TV
About 10 o'clock we'll turn off the light
Not every man was born to stay up late at night
There are plenty of boats to catch
If you notice all the sails in the wind
But you better look hard my friend
In case you catch a ride on the wrong one
In the distance is the one you belong on
Oh the water is wide
It's hip to be miserable when you're young and intellectual
In a bit you'll admit you're a misfit
Come on home with me
We'll sit under a tree
And if you get the itch
I'll supply the scratch
Not every man was born with a boat to catch
It's hip to be miserable when you are young and intellectual
In a bit you'll admit you're a misfit
A misfit
If you want to stay up for them
You'll just want to find yourself a friend
And tie a couple on in a night spot
Draw pictures of your soul, win the jackpot
For tears in your beer
It's hip to be miserable when you're young and intellectual
In a bit you'll admit you're a misfit
Come on home with me
We'll turn on the TV
About 10 o'clock we'll turn off the light
Not every man was born to stay up late at night
There are plenty of boats to catch
If you notice all the sails in the wind
But you better look hard my friend
In case you catch a ride on the wrong one
In the distance is the one you belong on
Oh the water is wide
It's hip to be miserable when you're young and intellectual
In a bit you'll admit you're a misfit
Come on home with me
We'll sit under a tree
And if you get the itch
I'll supply the scratch
Not every man was born with a boat to catch
It's hip to be miserable when you are young and intellectual
In a bit you'll admit you're a misfit
A misfit
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