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.
Just off the plane I already feel the strain
It’s not too funny in this heat
It smells like off colour meat
We’re moving again
Down in the depths
You wouldn’t believe where I slept
But if you knew me before I wasn’t so hardcore
You should have seen how I was kept
Now I’m stepping out into the light
No time to wonder if it’s wrong or it’s right
I’ve been hurting
Hurting tonight
Now I’m stepping out into the light
Up on the stage
I just can’t engage
I feel slightly sick
I ask myself
What’s wrong with me?
Life is what you make
It’s not just yours to take
You can take what you please
Of all of that sleaze but it gives you heartache
Now I’m stepping out into the light
No time to wonder if it’s wrong or it’s right
I’ve been kicked down
Kicked in the teeth
Now I’m stepping out into the light
Go out on a limb
Out where the lighting is dim
Out where it hurts
Out in the dirt
Out where your wallet is thin
Reach for the stars
But don’t fall too far
Dreams are to make
Before you awake
Wherever you are
Into the light
Now I’m stepping out into the light
It’s not too funny in this heat
It smells like off colour meat
We’re moving again
Down in the depths
You wouldn’t believe where I slept
But if you knew me before I wasn’t so hardcore
You should have seen how I was kept
Now I’m stepping out into the light
No time to wonder if it’s wrong or it’s right
I’ve been hurting
Hurting tonight
Now I’m stepping out into the light
Up on the stage
I just can’t engage
I feel slightly sick
I ask myself
What’s wrong with me?
Life is what you make
It’s not just yours to take
You can take what you please
Of all of that sleaze but it gives you heartache
Now I’m stepping out into the light
No time to wonder if it’s wrong or it’s right
I’ve been kicked down
Kicked in the teeth
Now I’m stepping out into the light
Go out on a limb
Out where the lighting is dim
Out where it hurts
Out in the dirt
Out where your wallet is thin
Reach for the stars
But don’t fall too far
Dreams are to make
Before you awake
Wherever you are
Into the light
Now I’m stepping out into the light
Lyrics submitted by minette
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