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 needed it most
When I was eighteen
But now that I'm older
I don't need many things
Just someone to hold
That's what you give me
When dark touches your skull baby
Ah, babe, you can drop that on me
So I say Lord
All the heavens you've made
Can't hold back the ghosts
That haunt my baby and me
Oh can't ye hold 'em back
From comin' on in
To a lovely woman
That just wants
Her mind back again
I cannot crumble
What you want this to be
Or bring peace of mind
If it ain't there to see
Ah, if you don't know yourself
How could you ever know me
But to have and to hold you
Yeah, that's the way its gotta be
When I was eighteen
But now that I'm older
I don't need many things
Just someone to hold
That's what you give me
When dark touches your skull baby
Ah, babe, you can drop that on me
So I say Lord
All the heavens you've made
Can't hold back the ghosts
That haunt my baby and me
Oh can't ye hold 'em back
From comin' on in
To a lovely woman
That just wants
Her mind back again
I cannot crumble
What you want this to be
Or bring peace of mind
If it ain't there to see
Ah, if you don't know yourself
How could you ever know me
But to have and to hold you
Yeah, that's the way its gotta be
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