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 saw you staring out your window
Watchin' the people passing by
Taking some notes on what you saw out there
So you would know how hard you need to try
I heard you asking lots of questions
How in comparison you stand
Please let me warn you to be very careful
God wants our best and not our better than
[Chorus]
But you know better, better than that
You know better than, better than that
You should know better, truth is the only measure
You know better than, better than that
Now just in case I've got you thinkin'
And if you're feeling like I do
Maybe it's time we open up the Holy Bible
And see exactly what He's called us to
He said the least would be the greatest
The greatest is the one who serves
We must be living by a different standard
A life that isn't graded on a curve
[Chorus]
Watchin' the people passing by
Taking some notes on what you saw out there
So you would know how hard you need to try
I heard you asking lots of questions
How in comparison you stand
Please let me warn you to be very careful
God wants our best and not our better than
[Chorus]
But you know better, better than that
You know better than, better than that
You should know better, truth is the only measure
You know better than, better than that
Now just in case I've got you thinkin'
And if you're feeling like I do
Maybe it's time we open up the Holy Bible
And see exactly what He's called us to
He said the least would be the greatest
The greatest is the one who serves
We must be living by a different standard
A life that isn't graded on a curve
[Chorus]
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