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.
Well, I guess it would be nice if I could touch your body
I know not everybody has got a body like you, oh
But I gotta think twice before I give my heart away
And I know all the games you play because I play them too
Oh, but I need some time off from that emotion
Time to pick my heart up off the floor
Oh, when that love comes down without devotion
Well, it takes a strong man, baby
But I'm showin' you the door
'Cause I gotta have faith
I gotta have faith
Because I got to have faith, faith, f-
I got to have faith, faith, faith
Baby, I know you're askin' me to stay
Say, "Please, please, please don't go away"
You say I'm givin' you the blues
Maybe, huh, you mean every word you say
Can't help but think of yesterday
And another who tied me down to loverboy rules
Before this river becomes an ocean
Before you throw my heart back on the floor
Oh, oh baby, I reconsider my foolish notion
Well, I need someone to hold me
But I'll wait for somethin' more
Yes, I gotta have faith
Ooh, I gotta have faith
Because I gotta have faith, faith, faith
I gotta have faith, faith, faith
I'll just have to wait
Because I've got to have faith
I gotta have faith
I've got to, got to, got to have faith
Before this river becomes an ocean
Before you throw my heart back on the floor (I just got to have faith)
Oh, oh baby, I reconsider my foolish notion
Well, I need someone to hold me
But I'll wait for somethin' more
'Cause I gotta have faith
Ooh, I gotta have faith
Because I gotta have faith, faith, faith
I gotta have faith, faith, faith
I know not everybody has got a body like you, oh
But I gotta think twice before I give my heart away
And I know all the games you play because I play them too
Oh, but I need some time off from that emotion
Time to pick my heart up off the floor
Oh, when that love comes down without devotion
Well, it takes a strong man, baby
But I'm showin' you the door
'Cause I gotta have faith
I gotta have faith
Because I got to have faith, faith, f-
I got to have faith, faith, faith
Baby, I know you're askin' me to stay
Say, "Please, please, please don't go away"
You say I'm givin' you the blues
Maybe, huh, you mean every word you say
Can't help but think of yesterday
And another who tied me down to loverboy rules
Before this river becomes an ocean
Before you throw my heart back on the floor
Oh, oh baby, I reconsider my foolish notion
Well, I need someone to hold me
But I'll wait for somethin' more
Yes, I gotta have faith
Ooh, I gotta have faith
Because I gotta have faith, faith, faith
I gotta have faith, faith, faith
I'll just have to wait
Because I've got to have faith
I gotta have faith
I've got to, got to, got to have faith
Before this river becomes an ocean
Before you throw my heart back on the floor (I just got to have faith)
Oh, oh baby, I reconsider my foolish notion
Well, I need someone to hold me
But I'll wait for somethin' more
'Cause I gotta have faith
Ooh, I gotta have faith
Because I gotta have faith, faith, faith
I gotta have faith, faith, faith
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I think this is song about a fairly new relationship in which the partners have not yet had sex. The song could be applicable to a gay or heterosexual relationship but for George it's obviously the former.
Love is seen as a very special thing, and this is underscored with the religious reference in the title, which is repeated many many times in the course of the song. We also have the church organ music as an introduction and reference to "devotion".
The song begins with the temptation to have sex, but, having been hurt before, he wants to wait for "something more". He wants to be sure of his partner's sincerity before completely committing himself, and letting himself completely be submerged in the relationship. ( Before the river becomes an ocean/ Before you throw my heart back on the floor")
There is no doubt that the writer sees sex as an important part of this relationship but has to wait for love to accompany that act.
I disagree with the person who interprets it as an ex wanting him back. This is not the same relationship and the writer (George) because he references the "other" who tied him down to rules. He wants sex and love to accompany each other and to be at ease within that relationship. FAITH in it, in other words.
This will not be the last time George juxtaposes religious and earthly love.