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.
If you're scared and it shows
Cause you're watching them grow
And traveling blows
When you're out of road
And when you jump up
The earth wants you back
Your resentment grow
Till you're all alone
But you're so smart
How could they not know
When you're standing there
In good humored white
And how do you do it
And make it seem effortless
When it's all the stupid things
So overwhelming to me
Like paying my bills
Or showing up for work early
Or laughing at your jokes
When you first said
That anything goes
Or a problem is a task
Disguised in work clothes
That's when I knew I had to move
And how do you do it
And make it seem delicate
When it's all the stupid things
So damn confusing to me
Like talking it through
Controlling my temper
Like letting it go
Saying please forgive me
Or laughing at your jokes
I have no idea what's
Been going on lately
And I just wish you'd
Come over and explain things
And I have no idea what's
Been going on lately
And I just wish you'd
Come over and explain things
And I have no idea what's
Been going on lately
And I just wish you'd
Come over and explain things
And I have no idea what's
Been going on lately
And I just wish you'd
Come over and explain things
Why do they do it
Show up anyway
When they know that damn well
There is no room
For promotions out here
And maybe it's wise
And maybe I'm just stupid
For laughing at your jokes
Cause you're watching them grow
And traveling blows
When you're out of road
And when you jump up
The earth wants you back
Your resentment grow
Till you're all alone
But you're so smart
How could they not know
When you're standing there
In good humored white
And how do you do it
And make it seem effortless
When it's all the stupid things
So overwhelming to me
Like paying my bills
Or showing up for work early
Or laughing at your jokes
When you first said
That anything goes
Or a problem is a task
Disguised in work clothes
That's when I knew I had to move
And how do you do it
And make it seem delicate
When it's all the stupid things
So damn confusing to me
Like talking it through
Controlling my temper
Like letting it go
Saying please forgive me
Or laughing at your jokes
I have no idea what's
Been going on lately
And I just wish you'd
Come over and explain things
And I have no idea what's
Been going on lately
And I just wish you'd
Come over and explain things
And I have no idea what's
Been going on lately
And I just wish you'd
Come over and explain things
And I have no idea what's
Been going on lately
And I just wish you'd
Come over and explain things
Why do they do it
Show up anyway
When they know that damn well
There is no room
For promotions out here
And maybe it's wise
And maybe I'm just stupid
For laughing at your jokes
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Ed Sheeran
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i love this song. it jumps from one thing to another, all sad and true. rilo kiley kicks ass