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.
Why are you selling dreams of who you wish you could be
A prince in all of the magazines
They'd have no words for the man I've seen
Talk real fast 'fore they see your face
And would they love you if they knew all the things we know
We've got these images
We need them to be true
Not ready to believe we're no more insecure than you
[Chorus]
But then there're girls like me who sit appauled by what we've seen
We know the truth about you
Now you're the prince of all the magazines
That is a dangerous thing
But would they love you if they knew all the things that we know
Those Golden Boys
All a fraud don't believe their show
Would they love you if they knew all the things that we know
Golden Boy life ain't a video
Place you in these robes and tell you you're the greatest man
And you believe and play your cards
Got dealt a winning hand
Don't you get tired of the show
The kissin' ass of all the people that you want to know
When I was young I thought you had it won
I saw you on T.V. you made life look fun
But then years go by and people grow
I realize it's all a freak show
[Chorus]
Girls like me don't need no bubblin' mindstate thrown in my face
The way you goin' ain't gonna be no stroll in the sunshine
Can't turn it back now baby you gone and past that line
So give it on up now
What you gonna do
[Chorus]
A prince in all of the magazines
They'd have no words for the man I've seen
Talk real fast 'fore they see your face
And would they love you if they knew all the things we know
We've got these images
We need them to be true
Not ready to believe we're no more insecure than you
[Chorus]
But then there're girls like me who sit appauled by what we've seen
We know the truth about you
Now you're the prince of all the magazines
That is a dangerous thing
But would they love you if they knew all the things that we know
Those Golden Boys
All a fraud don't believe their show
Would they love you if they knew all the things that we know
Golden Boy life ain't a video
Place you in these robes and tell you you're the greatest man
And you believe and play your cards
Got dealt a winning hand
Don't you get tired of the show
The kissin' ass of all the people that you want to know
When I was young I thought you had it won
I saw you on T.V. you made life look fun
But then years go by and people grow
I realize it's all a freak show
[Chorus]
Girls like me don't need no bubblin' mindstate thrown in my face
The way you goin' ain't gonna be no stroll in the sunshine
Can't turn it back now baby you gone and past that line
So give it on up now
What you gonna do
[Chorus]
Lyrics submitted by Lindzy1124
Golden Boys Lyrics as written by Martin Mckinney Santi White
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Anthem Entertainment
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I love this song! It's all about fake people, I think.