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.
This is the place
Sit down, you're safe now
You've been stuck in a lift
We've been trying to reach you, Thom
This is the place
It won't hurt ever again
The smell of air conditioning
The fish are belly up
Empty all your pockets
Because it's time to come home
This is the place
Remember me?
I'm the face you always see
You've been stuck in a lift
In the belly of a whale
At the bottom of the ocean
The smell of air conditioning
The fish are belly up
Empty all your pockets
Because it's time to come home
The smell of air conditioning
The fish are belly up
Let it go
Today is the first day
Of the rest of your days
So lighten up, squirt
Sit down, you're safe now
You've been stuck in a lift
We've been trying to reach you, Thom
This is the place
It won't hurt ever again
The smell of air conditioning
The fish are belly up
Empty all your pockets
Because it's time to come home
This is the place
Remember me?
I'm the face you always see
You've been stuck in a lift
In the belly of a whale
At the bottom of the ocean
The smell of air conditioning
The fish are belly up
Empty all your pockets
Because it's time to come home
The smell of air conditioning
The fish are belly up
Let it go
Today is the first day
Of the rest of your days
So lighten up, squirt
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i love this song so much. i agree with no_one69 completely.
i relate to this song too too much