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've never seen you on the streets of this town
I've never seen you just hanging around
But you still tell me that you know me...
I've never seen you walking out on my street
I've never seen you in the cafes where we eat
But you still tell me that you know me...
Well all I know, is you don't about me
And all I know, is you don't know anything
Except how to pull the wool over the public's eyes
Except how to tell us lies while you look us in the eye
Except how to play the system, how to play the game,
That lines your pockets with dough while the rest of us slave
I've never seen you when you weren't on tv
I've never seen you when you weren't out to be seen
But you still tell me that you know me...
I've never seen you in a cheap old used car
I've never seen you be who you claim you are
But you still tell me that you know me
Well all I know, is you don't about me
And all I know, is you don't know anything
The only time you've ever been on my street
The only time you've ever shaken my hand
The only time you've ever made a hard choice
The only time you've ever heard the people's voice
Is when you needed something, when you needed something
When you were looking for a vote, when you were looking for a vote
The only time you've ever seen the streets of this town
The only time you've ever been around
Is at a photo oppurtunity
The only time you'll be out walking my street
The only time you've'll see the cafes where we eat
Is before an election date
'Cause all I know, is you don't care about me
And all I know is, you're only driven by your greed
I've never seen you just hanging around
But you still tell me that you know me...
I've never seen you walking out on my street
I've never seen you in the cafes where we eat
But you still tell me that you know me...
Well all I know, is you don't about me
And all I know, is you don't know anything
Except how to pull the wool over the public's eyes
Except how to tell us lies while you look us in the eye
Except how to play the system, how to play the game,
That lines your pockets with dough while the rest of us slave
I've never seen you when you weren't on tv
I've never seen you when you weren't out to be seen
But you still tell me that you know me...
I've never seen you in a cheap old used car
I've never seen you be who you claim you are
But you still tell me that you know me
Well all I know, is you don't about me
And all I know, is you don't know anything
The only time you've ever been on my street
The only time you've ever shaken my hand
The only time you've ever made a hard choice
The only time you've ever heard the people's voice
Is when you needed something, when you needed something
When you were looking for a vote, when you were looking for a vote
The only time you've ever seen the streets of this town
The only time you've ever been around
Is at a photo oppurtunity
The only time you'll be out walking my street
The only time you've'll see the cafes where we eat
Is before an election date
'Cause all I know, is you don't care about me
And all I know is, you're only driven by your greed
Lyrics submitted by a scar in the sky
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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.
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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u can get it here> cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=1191219620/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/artistid=SANE*JUSTIN/itemid=1509143 i cant find it anywhere either...