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'm walking away
From the troubles in my life
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away
Sometimes some people get me wrong
When it's something I've said or done
Sometimes you feel there is no fun
That's why you turn and run
But now I truly realize
Some people don't wanna compromise
Well I saw them with my own eyes spreading those lies
And well I don't wanna live a lie
Too many sleepless nights
Not mentioning the fights
I'm sorry to say lady
I'm walking away
From the troubles in my life
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away
Well I'm so tired baby
Things you say you're driving me away
Whispers in the powder room baby
Don't listen to the games they play
Girl I thought you'd realize
I'm not like them other guys
'Cause I saw them with my own eyes
You should've been more wise
And well I don't wanna live a lie
Too many sleepless nights
Not mentioning the fights
I'm sorry to say lady
I'm walking away (oh I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life (from the troubles in my life)
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life (troubles in my life)
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life (I tried to show you baby)
I'm walking away (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Oh to find a better day oh (oh I'm gone, I'm gonna find a better day)
I'm walking away (oh yeah)
From the troubles in my life (from the troubles in my life baby)
I'm walking away (baby)
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away
From the troubles in my life
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away
Sometimes some people get me wrong
When it's something I've said or done
Sometimes you feel there is no fun
That's why you turn and run
But now I truly realize
Some people don't wanna compromise
Well I saw them with my own eyes spreading those lies
And well I don't wanna live a lie
Too many sleepless nights
Not mentioning the fights
I'm sorry to say lady
I'm walking away
From the troubles in my life
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away
Well I'm so tired baby
Things you say you're driving me away
Whispers in the powder room baby
Don't listen to the games they play
Girl I thought you'd realize
I'm not like them other guys
'Cause I saw them with my own eyes
You should've been more wise
And well I don't wanna live a lie
Too many sleepless nights
Not mentioning the fights
I'm sorry to say lady
I'm walking away (oh I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life (from the troubles in my life)
I'm walking away
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life (troubles in my life)
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away (I'm walking away)
From the troubles in my life (I tried to show you baby)
I'm walking away (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Oh to find a better day oh (oh I'm gone, I'm gonna find a better day)
I'm walking away (oh yeah)
From the troubles in my life (from the troubles in my life baby)
I'm walking away (baby)
Oh to find a better day
I'm walking away
Lyrics submitted by lilstargurl15
Walking Away Lyrics as written by Mark Hill Craig David
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
is this the song that the radio stations are calling the graduation song now?