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.
Step right up and don't be shy
Because you will not believe your eyes
She's right here behind the glass
And you're gonna like her
'Cause she's got class
You can look inside another world
You get to talk to a pretty girl
She's everything you dream about
But don't fall in love
She's a beauty
She's one in a million girls
She's a beauty
Why would I lie?
Why would I lie?
You can say anything you like
But you can't touch the merchandise
She'll give you every penny's worth
But it will cost you a dollar first
You can step outside your little world
You can talk to a pretty girl
She's everything you dream about
But don't fall in love
She's a beauty
She's one in a million girls
One in a million girls
Why would I lie?
Why would I lie?
But don't fall in love
'Cause if you do, you'll find out she don't love you
She's one in a million girls
One in a million girls
Why would I lie?
Now, why would I lie?
(Step outside your world)
(But don't fall in love) she's a beauty
(She's one in a million girls) one in a million girls
(Why would I lie?) now why would I lie?
(But don't fall in love) 'cause if you do, you'll find out she don't love you
(She's one in a million girls) one in a million girls
(Why would I lie?) why would I lie?
(But don't fall in love)
(She's one in a million girls)
(Why would I lie?)
Because you will not believe your eyes
She's right here behind the glass
And you're gonna like her
'Cause she's got class
You can look inside another world
You get to talk to a pretty girl
She's everything you dream about
But don't fall in love
She's a beauty
She's one in a million girls
She's a beauty
Why would I lie?
Why would I lie?
You can say anything you like
But you can't touch the merchandise
She'll give you every penny's worth
But it will cost you a dollar first
You can step outside your little world
You can talk to a pretty girl
She's everything you dream about
But don't fall in love
She's a beauty
She's one in a million girls
One in a million girls
Why would I lie?
Why would I lie?
But don't fall in love
'Cause if you do, you'll find out she don't love you
She's one in a million girls
One in a million girls
Why would I lie?
Now, why would I lie?
(Step outside your world)
(But don't fall in love) she's a beauty
(She's one in a million girls) one in a million girls
(Why would I lie?) now why would I lie?
(But don't fall in love) 'cause if you do, you'll find out she don't love you
(She's one in a million girls) one in a million girls
(Why would I lie?) why would I lie?
(But don't fall in love)
(She's one in a million girls)
(Why would I lie?)
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This song is definitely about the old time peep shows like used to be in Times Square where the girl was on a round stage and the peep rooms were around the stage. You would put a dollar in and a window would slide up. It would stay own for 3 or 4 minutes and then close until you put another dollar in. Oh, by the way the glass was a one way mirror where the dancer couldn't see you, just herself dancing!