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.
Care not for the men who wonder
Straw that broke your back, you're under
Cast all them aside who care
Empty eyes and dead end stare
Don't you know that none are blind
To the lie and you think I don't find what you hide?
What in God's name have you done?
Stick your arm for some real fun
For the horse you've grown much fonder
Than for me, that I don't ponder
As the hair of one who bit you
Smiling, bite your own self, too
And I think that you're not blind
To the ones you left behind
I'll be here
What in God's name have you done?
Stick your arm for some real fun, uh
So be yearning all your life
Twisting, turning like a knife
Now you know the reasons why
Can't get high, or you will die
Or you'll die
What in God's name have you done?
Stick your arm for some real fun
So your sickness weighs a ton
And God's name is smack for some, yeah
Straw that broke your back, you're under
Cast all them aside who care
Empty eyes and dead end stare
Don't you know that none are blind
To the lie and you think I don't find what you hide?
What in God's name have you done?
Stick your arm for some real fun
For the horse you've grown much fonder
Than for me, that I don't ponder
As the hair of one who bit you
Smiling, bite your own self, too
And I think that you're not blind
To the ones you left behind
I'll be here
What in God's name have you done?
Stick your arm for some real fun, uh
So be yearning all your life
Twisting, turning like a knife
Now you know the reasons why
Can't get high, or you will die
Or you'll die
What in God's name have you done?
Stick your arm for some real fun
So your sickness weighs a ton
And God's name is smack for some, yeah
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
drug addiction is definitely what this is about. "so your sickness weighs a ton and God's name is smack for some". this basically means that heroin(smack) is a main concern. addicts will do anything for it. "for the horse you've grown much fonder than for me, that i dont ponder". that's self explanitory as well. "be yearning all your life" describes the addiction.