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.
Oh!
What the
What the, was that?
You burden me with your questions
You'd have me tell no lies
You're always asking what it's all about
But don't listen to my replies
You say to me I don't talk enough
But when I do I'm a fool
These times I've spent, I've realized
I'm going to shoot through
And leave you
The things, you say
Your purple prose just give you away
The things, you say
You're unbelievable
Oh!
What the
What the, was that?
You burden me with your problems
By telling me more than mine
I'm always so concerned
With the way you say
You always have to stop
To think of us being one
Is more than I ever know
But this time, I realize
I'm going to shoot through
And leave you
The things, you say
Your purple prose just give you away
The things, you say
You're unbelievable
Oh!
What the
One
What the
One
What the
One
What the, was that?
Seemingly lastless
Don't mean you can ask us
Pushing down the relative
Bringing out your higher self
Think of the fine times
Pushing down the better few
Instead of bringing out the clues
To what the world and everything you answer to
Brace yourself with the greatest of ease
I know this world ain't what it seems
What the, was that?
It's unbelievable
You burden me with your questions
You'd have me tell no lies
You're always asking what it's all about
And don't listen to my replies
You say to me I don't talk enough
But when I do I'm a fool
These times I've spent, I've realized
I'm going to shoot through
And leave you
The things, you say
Your purple prose just give you away
The things, you say
In thought I love you more
The things, you say
Your purple prose just give you away
The things, you say
You're unbelievable
Oh!
What the
One
What the
You're so unbelievable
One
What the
One
What the
You're unbelievable
It's unbelievable
Oh!
What the
One
What the
One
What the
What the, was that?
You're unbelievable
What the
What the, was that?
You burden me with your questions
You'd have me tell no lies
You're always asking what it's all about
But don't listen to my replies
You say to me I don't talk enough
But when I do I'm a fool
These times I've spent, I've realized
I'm going to shoot through
And leave you
The things, you say
Your purple prose just give you away
The things, you say
You're unbelievable
Oh!
What the
What the, was that?
You burden me with your problems
By telling me more than mine
I'm always so concerned
With the way you say
You always have to stop
To think of us being one
Is more than I ever know
But this time, I realize
I'm going to shoot through
And leave you
The things, you say
Your purple prose just give you away
The things, you say
You're unbelievable
Oh!
What the
One
What the
One
What the
One
What the, was that?
Seemingly lastless
Don't mean you can ask us
Pushing down the relative
Bringing out your higher self
Think of the fine times
Pushing down the better few
Instead of bringing out the clues
To what the world and everything you answer to
Brace yourself with the greatest of ease
I know this world ain't what it seems
What the, was that?
It's unbelievable
You burden me with your questions
You'd have me tell no lies
You're always asking what it's all about
And don't listen to my replies
You say to me I don't talk enough
But when I do I'm a fool
These times I've spent, I've realized
I'm going to shoot through
And leave you
The things, you say
Your purple prose just give you away
The things, you say
In thought I love you more
The things, you say
Your purple prose just give you away
The things, you say
You're unbelievable
Oh!
What the
One
What the
You're so unbelievable
One
What the
One
What the
You're unbelievable
It's unbelievable
Oh!
What the
One
What the
One
What the
What the, was that?
You're unbelievable
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
I remember this from Charmed. Its like season 3 where Piper dances ontop the bar.