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.
Gonna stay out of New York
There's something there that drives me crazy
Gonna stay out of New York
There's something there that bleeds me dry
It gets so bad that I stop breathin'
And then the sun don't wanna shine
There's something wrong with New York
It's a prison without walls
No I won't go back there
I just don't like that place at all
You might call it sophistication
But I say time is runnin' out
I won't go back to New York
There's a darkness all around
No, I just can't handle it
You know that place is gettin' me down
You can say it's sophistication
But I say time is runnin' out
There's something there that drives me crazy
Gonna stay out of New York
There's something there that bleeds me dry
It gets so bad that I stop breathin'
And then the sun don't wanna shine
There's something wrong with New York
It's a prison without walls
No I won't go back there
I just don't like that place at all
You might call it sophistication
But I say time is runnin' out
I won't go back to New York
There's a darkness all around
No, I just can't handle it
You know that place is gettin' me down
You can say it's sophistication
But I say time is runnin' out
Lyrics submitted by oofus
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
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Welch really pegged NY a long time ago. Rats nest of libtards.
@2muchjoy Ignorance like that is embarrassing. It's not liberals or fascist. It's the human condition, look to better it.
@2muchjoy Ignorance like that is embarrassing. It's not liberals or fascist. It's the human condition, look to better it.
@2muchjoy Yeah, and the human condition in NYC is about as depraved as it gets.<br /> Apparently, you are part of it.
The song came about after Bob Welch and Fleetwood Mac found New York City too busy for their liking. There wasn't anything political about it but it did point out there was something spiritually wrong about the place they could feel. This came at a time when Welch and his bandmates were going through a transition that didn't come easy. As a songwriter, Welch was deeply sensitive to so many issues that were going around him. That was obvious when he realized his medical condition wasn't going to get any better. In his frame of logic, he thought ending his own life was a better alternative than burdening his life. Little did he know four years later she'd join him in the grave.
New York City has always been a busy place. For people who prefer a calmer environment, that's not the city to go to. Welch realized this while he was there. Also, keep in mind Welch was into the paranormal. If you want a city loaded with an occult-like vibe, New York has an abundance of it. Welch could feel that, which came through loud and clear in his lyrics.
New York City is more than just a city. History continually demonstrates that. Is it an evil place? Demographics don't make a place evil. Misguided people with distorted values do.