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.
Temptation,
Why won't you leave me alone ?
Lurking every corner-
Everywhere I go
Self Control,
Don't turn your back on me now
When I need you the most
Constant pressure tests my will
My will or my won't
My self control escapes from me still
Hypocrite,
How could you be so cruel ?
And expect my faith in return ?
Resistance,
Is not as hard as it seems
When you close the door
I spent so long trusting in you
I trust you forgot
Just when I thought I believed in you
("What're you doing ? What're you doing ?")
It's time for me to deal
Becoming all too real
Living in fear,
Why did you lie and pretend ?
This has come to an end
I'll never trust you again
It's time you made your amends
Look in the mirror my friend
("That I haven't behaved as I should")
("Everything you need is around you. The only danger is inside you.")
("I thought you could control life, but it's not like that. There are things you can't control.")
Let's stare the problem right in the eye
It's plagued me from coast to coast
Racing the clock to please everyone
All but the one who matters the most
Reflections of reality
Are slowly coming into view
How in the hell could you possibly forgive me ?
After all the hell I put you through
It's time for me to deal
Becoming all too real
Living in fear
Why'd I betray my friend ?
Lying until the end
Living life so pretend
It's time to make my amends
I'll never hurt you again
Why won't you leave me alone ?
Lurking every corner-
Everywhere I go
Self Control,
Don't turn your back on me now
When I need you the most
Constant pressure tests my will
My will or my won't
My self control escapes from me still
Hypocrite,
How could you be so cruel ?
And expect my faith in return ?
Resistance,
Is not as hard as it seems
When you close the door
I spent so long trusting in you
I trust you forgot
Just when I thought I believed in you
("What're you doing ? What're you doing ?")
It's time for me to deal
Becoming all too real
Living in fear,
Why did you lie and pretend ?
This has come to an end
I'll never trust you again
It's time you made your amends
Look in the mirror my friend
("That I haven't behaved as I should")
("Everything you need is around you. The only danger is inside you.")
("I thought you could control life, but it's not like that. There are things you can't control.")
Let's stare the problem right in the eye
It's plagued me from coast to coast
Racing the clock to please everyone
All but the one who matters the most
Reflections of reality
Are slowly coming into view
How in the hell could you possibly forgive me ?
After all the hell I put you through
It's time for me to deal
Becoming all too real
Living in fear
Why'd I betray my friend ?
Lying until the end
Living life so pretend
It's time to make my amends
I'll never hurt you again
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It seems to be about a struggle with an addiction. "how in the hell could you possibly forgive me, after all the hell I put you through?". This is the line that led me to this conclusion because to me it's talking about a second side of a person being shown (possibly anger) via drugs, alcohol etc.. Good song.