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.
Try to remember
But my feelings can't know for sure
Tried to reach out
But it's gone
Lucky stars in your eyes
I am walking the cow
I really don't know how I came here
I really don't know why I'm staying here
Oh, oh, oh
I am walking the cow
Tried to point my finger
But the wind was blowing me around
In circles
Circles
Lucky stars in your eyes
I am walking the cow
I really don't know what I have to fear
I really don't know what I have to care
Oh, oh, oh
I am walking the cow
But my feelings can't know for sure
Tried to reach out
But it's gone
Lucky stars in your eyes
I am walking the cow
I really don't know how I came here
I really don't know why I'm staying here
Oh, oh, oh
I am walking the cow
Tried to point my finger
But the wind was blowing me around
In circles
Circles
Lucky stars in your eyes
I am walking the cow
I really don't know what I have to fear
I really don't know what I have to care
Oh, oh, oh
I am walking the cow
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To me this song is about the aimlessness of life's journey and struggling to find meaning in a confusing world. The song has the sort of comical image of such a pointless task as walking a cow which I think stands for the dragging around the weight of the status quo and social responsibilities. Some daily tasks may as well seems as meaningful as walking a cow sometimes. The song also seems to touch on him missing past memories and wondering what comes next; sort of flitting around on a day to day basis while trying to grapple with the worthiness of the journey. In short I would describe this song as a bittersweet song of uncertainty and a struggle with the purpose of living.
Johnston stands out as an artist for his raw connection with the deepest of human emotions. He really shows his soul to the world through his music and I can respect that because sometimes the rawest of emotions can be the hardest to articulate and tap into. This song is just one of many heart felt songs by Johnston.