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 see the happy the family tree
It sways so easily
We're smiling all the time
This world just isn't mine
We watch it burn
And we never learn
This can't be what you're waiting for
Staring into the sun
We eat our young
This can't be what you're waiting for
Just take it easy on yourself
Forget all the stupid things we say
I know you beat up on yourself
I know it's in your blood
You say what no one understands
The seeds are in your hands
The branches break your bones
I can't just leave you alone
And watch you squirm
And I can't bring myself to look
I rip the pages from the book
And watch it burn
It sways so easily
We're smiling all the time
This world just isn't mine
We watch it burn
And we never learn
This can't be what you're waiting for
Staring into the sun
We eat our young
This can't be what you're waiting for
Just take it easy on yourself
Forget all the stupid things we say
I know you beat up on yourself
I know it's in your blood
You say what no one understands
The seeds are in your hands
The branches break your bones
I can't just leave you alone
And watch you squirm
And I can't bring myself to look
I rip the pages from the book
And watch it burn
Lyrics submitted by kornchick
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