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.
Oh, I've been sometimes under your wall
Keeping it out where I'm not welcome
I've seen you one time stumble and fall
But I still love you, you see?
I've been five times back to the well
Seeking to turn myself in something
But you can't teach what you can't sell
And I'm not the only one it seems
I still would say if you asked, "It's built on bonding"
But others will take it out and leave you wanting
I know you've done this before to them
But here's where it ends and where I stand
You can't hold onto yourself
For I have got your holy head in my hands
And I've been a long time out at your wall
Seeking to call you back from over
Because when you're out there you seem so tall
But you're not the only one you'll see
Still I'd say if you asked, "It's built on bonding"
But others will take it out and leave you wanting
I know you've done it before to them
But here's where it ends and where I stand
You say you can't hold yourself back
Well, I have got your safety head in my hands
And I've been sometimes under your hedge
I ran like a rabbit from the rifles
You had me two times out on a ledge
But I still love you, you see?
Keeping it out where I'm not welcome
I've seen you one time stumble and fall
But I still love you, you see?
I've been five times back to the well
Seeking to turn myself in something
But you can't teach what you can't sell
And I'm not the only one it seems
I still would say if you asked, "It's built on bonding"
But others will take it out and leave you wanting
I know you've done this before to them
But here's where it ends and where I stand
You can't hold onto yourself
For I have got your holy head in my hands
And I've been a long time out at your wall
Seeking to call you back from over
Because when you're out there you seem so tall
But you're not the only one you'll see
Still I'd say if you asked, "It's built on bonding"
But others will take it out and leave you wanting
I know you've done it before to them
But here's where it ends and where I stand
You say you can't hold yourself back
Well, I have got your safety head in my hands
And I've been sometimes under your hedge
I ran like a rabbit from the rifles
You had me two times out on a ledge
But I still love you, you see?
Lyrics submitted by hollyhoxnj
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i read somewhere (an online interview with ted leo, i believe) that this song is about a band he had idolized even while he was growing up, and when he saw them in concert they put on a terrible show.
but i think one of the many great things about this song is the ambiguity of its meaning; it means what you want it to.
and i love love love the way he writes for two guitars. ted leo is a genius.