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.
How could she look so fine?
How could it be she might be mine?
How could she be so cool?
I've been taken for a fool
So many times
Hey
Story of a man
Works as hard as he can
Just to be a man who stands on his own
But the book always burns
As the story takes it turn
And leaves a broken man
How could she be so cool (ah)
How could she be so fine
I owe a favor to a friend
My friends, they always come through for me, yeah
Story of a man
Works as hard as he can
Just to be a man who stands on his own
But the book always burns
As the story takes it turn
And leaves a broken man
If you could only live my life
You could see the difference you make to me
To me
And I'd look right up at night
And all I see was darkness
Now I see the stars alright
I want to reach right up and grab one for you
When the lights went down in your house
Yeah, that made me happy
The sweat I make for you
Yeah, I think you know where that comes from
Good talk, come on
Well I'd look right up at night
And all I see was darkness
Now I see the stars alright
I want to reach right up and grab one for you
When the lights went down in your house
Yeah, that made me happy
The sweat I make for you
I think you know where that comes from
How could she look so good (so good)
How could she be so fine
How could she be so cool
How could it be she might be mine
How could it be she might be mine?
How could she be so cool?
I've been taken for a fool
So many times
Hey
Story of a man
Works as hard as he can
Just to be a man who stands on his own
But the book always burns
As the story takes it turn
And leaves a broken man
How could she be so cool (ah)
How could she be so fine
I owe a favor to a friend
My friends, they always come through for me, yeah
Story of a man
Works as hard as he can
Just to be a man who stands on his own
But the book always burns
As the story takes it turn
And leaves a broken man
If you could only live my life
You could see the difference you make to me
To me
And I'd look right up at night
And all I see was darkness
Now I see the stars alright
I want to reach right up and grab one for you
When the lights went down in your house
Yeah, that made me happy
The sweat I make for you
Yeah, I think you know where that comes from
Good talk, come on
Well I'd look right up at night
And all I see was darkness
Now I see the stars alright
I want to reach right up and grab one for you
When the lights went down in your house
Yeah, that made me happy
The sweat I make for you
I think you know where that comes from
How could she look so good (so good)
How could she be so fine
How could she be so cool
How could it be she might be mine
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I agree, it's about a girl taking advantage of a guy. He loves her...but she doesn't seem to notice him.
Uh... actually all of you guys are wrong. Look deeper than just the surface. Great song.
The song is about Duff's idol Johnny Thunders, the legendary guitarist/junkie for the glam rock band New York Dolls and The heartbreakers, who died of a methadone overdose. It's not about some chick he's in love with. He alludes to a woman because of Johnny Thunders feminine facial features and persona in the NY dolls
I'm surprised that there's no comments to this song! It just roxx! And it was written by my beautiful and "SO FINE" Duff McKagan, my blondie! It's about a stormy relationship. The woman doesn't care about his love and what he's doing for the two of 'em. She doesn't give a fuck and that hurts him, he feels bad. Poor Duffy
Nice sexy song, well written!
This would have to be my favourite Guns N' Roses song with Coma closely behind. I listen to it when i am down because it is about wat i was going through at a stage in my life.
how great is duff? inspires me to wanna play the bass. anyone who likes this song try "beleive in me", Duffs first solo album, gr8 stuff
Apparently it was written after the band saw/met some girls that made them 'crazy' or 'turned-on' or something, I can't remember the exact quote. Great song though.
I thought it was about a guy who has this beautiful lover who is the opposite of him...hmmm...could have more than one meaning I guess.
I love duff mckagan. he's a cutie. I love this song. I like when he's like "Guitar man come on" that part roxx cuz Slash is on guitar. But it's a great song.
I love this song. Axl's voice is beautiful on this song. Basically about a guy who wants a girl, but the girl doesn't notice him.
@Sprite1 She notices him. She is his. He just cannot believe his luck. It's as if he is asking himself, is she really mine? Do I really deserve this perfect woman? Am I worthy of her? I don't know if I am a good enough man to deserve her.