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 don't tell me anything
That's not a dream
That's not a big lie
You're not going anywhere
You don't care
You think that's fine
You don't owe me anything
You're offering
It's already mine
Your best friend is everywhere
They don't care
They think you're slime
You don't even know
What it means to take your own advice
And then expect me to look surprised
After a while you know their style
And that's enough to know they suck
And when you know they'll stop the show
Because they know you know
I know it's sad but don't feel bad
They knew they had it coming
After awhile it hurts to smile
And if you laugh it's just a typical miracle
That's not a dream
That's not a big lie
You're not going anywhere
You don't care
You think that's fine
You don't owe me anything
You're offering
It's already mine
Your best friend is everywhere
They don't care
They think you're slime
You don't even know
What it means to take your own advice
And then expect me to look surprised
After a while you know their style
And that's enough to know they suck
And when you know they'll stop the show
Because they know you know
I know it's sad but don't feel bad
They knew they had it coming
After awhile it hurts to smile
And if you laugh it's just a typical miracle
Lyrics submitted by prod
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If you listen very closely to the last part of this song you hear Doug saying "you should have tried" over and over again. It's very very quiet but it's definitely there.
actually i think its "you could have tried"
actually i think its "you could have tried"