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.
you're falling out again you're bending at the knees she calls you over there is nothing we can say to you but we won't laugh this time your friends are on your side but there's no closure when the end won't justify the means when all you need is some attention and your friends don't seem the same a face with no name and all you need is some affection you know she forgets your name cause if that's what you want you can have it friends don't matter nothing to you pointless girls are what you're into choosing girls over your friends it has no dignity cause she won't be your bride your friends will always be there till you die how will this story end? sufficing all your needs but what's left over but a selfish friend that I can't stand the search goes on and on realities off track and you get nowhere unless you find what you're searching for a pretty girl who's gonna use you an easy thing to ascertain when you have no shame passive grounds and girls abuse you what did you expect from them when you cry and beg her stay forever there's no bound that you won't go to a submissive angle can't respect you anything you say has lost its credibility wont stop at seventeen the tragic end won't justify the means
Lyrics submitted by wings0fthed0ve
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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.
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this song is fucking great. i love this song. they kicked ass live!!!