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.
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
You think you're so smart
You try to manipulate me
You try to humiliate with your words
You think you're so chic
You write me beautiful letters
You think you're so much better than me
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
You think you're so shrewd
You try to bring me low
You try to gain control with your words
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
Friends they tried to warn me about you
He has good manners, he's so romantic
But he'll only make you blue
How can I explain to them?
How could they know?
I'm in love with your words
Your words
You think you're so sly
I caught you at your game
You will not bring me shame with your words
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
Too much blinding light
Your touch, I've grown tired of your words
Words, words
A linguistic form that can meaningfully be spoken in isolation (words)
Conversation, expression, a promise, a sigh
In short, a lie
A message from heaven, a signal from hell
I give you my word I'll never tell
Language that is used in anger
Personal feelings signalling danger
A brief remark, an utterance, information (I've grown tired of your words)
Don't mince words, don't be evasive
Speak your mind, be persuasive
A pledge, a commitment, communication, words
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
You think you're so smart
You try to manipulate me
You try to humiliate with your words
You think you're so chic
You write me beautiful letters
You think you're so much better than me
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
You think you're so shrewd
You try to bring me low
You try to gain control with your words
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
Friends they tried to warn me about you
He has good manners, he's so romantic
But he'll only make you blue
How can I explain to them?
How could they know?
I'm in love with your words
Your words
You think you're so sly
I caught you at your game
You will not bring me shame with your words
But your actions speak louder than words
And they're only words unless they're true
Your actions speak louder than promises
You're inclined to make and inclined to break
Words, they cut like a knife
Cut into my life
I don't want to hear your words
They always attack
Please take them all back
If they're yours I don't want anymore
Too much blinding light
Your touch, I've grown tired of your words
Words, words
A linguistic form that can meaningfully be spoken in isolation (words)
Conversation, expression, a promise, a sigh
In short, a lie
A message from heaven, a signal from hell
I give you my word I'll never tell
Language that is used in anger
Personal feelings signalling danger
A brief remark, an utterance, information (I've grown tired of your words)
Don't mince words, don't be evasive
Speak your mind, be persuasive
A pledge, a commitment, communication, words
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
Words Lyrics as written by Anthony Shimkin Shep Pettibone
Lyrics © Word Collections Publishing, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I wonder why nobody commented on this song... In my eyes,this song should have been a single. It's musically great, lyrically great! The video would have been awesome! It has everything a hit needs to have! But I'd really appreciate if someone could post a good analysis of that song though
Words is about how Madonna feels about our celebrity tabloid reality pop culture she wants no part of. Madonna's All Still Wet in Tears of Anger and Rage. Words may be a dance groove but Like a Prayer, Vogue and Girl Gone Wild it ain't! Very Sad Madonna Tune!
I think it's a break up song