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.
In my head everything was perfect,
and every note resounds in harmony.
All I seem to offer up are dischords,
and every note I sing sounds out of key.
And every time I play with passion I start breaking strings.
And my voice cracks when I sing from my heart.
Guess that's the price
I've got to pay to know that I’m alive.
This melody is tearing me apart.
In my head everything was perfect,
and every note resounds in harmony. (Harmony!)
All I seem to offer up are dischords,
and every note I sing sounds out of key.
And every time I play with passion I start breaking strings.
And my voice cracks when I sing from my heart.
Guess that's the price
I've got to pay to know that I’m alive.
This melody is tearing me apart.
So now, what do I have to show?
And what price do I have to pay?
For lack of saying I won't grow
unless I’m battered in the fray.
Guess we're all in the same machine;
each one with his own broken dreams.
Passion gives way to failure,
so let's all try and understand.
You take my hand and I’ll take yours.
You take my hand and I’ll take yours.
Take my hand and I'll take yours!
We'll let our passion bleed.
and every note resounds in harmony.
All I seem to offer up are dischords,
and every note I sing sounds out of key.
And every time I play with passion I start breaking strings.
And my voice cracks when I sing from my heart.
Guess that's the price
I've got to pay to know that I’m alive.
This melody is tearing me apart.
In my head everything was perfect,
and every note resounds in harmony. (Harmony!)
All I seem to offer up are dischords,
and every note I sing sounds out of key.
And every time I play with passion I start breaking strings.
And my voice cracks when I sing from my heart.
Guess that's the price
I've got to pay to know that I’m alive.
This melody is tearing me apart.
So now, what do I have to show?
And what price do I have to pay?
For lack of saying I won't grow
unless I’m battered in the fray.
Guess we're all in the same machine;
each one with his own broken dreams.
Passion gives way to failure,
so let's all try and understand.
You take my hand and I’ll take yours.
You take my hand and I’ll take yours.
Take my hand and I'll take yours!
We'll let our passion bleed.
Lyrics submitted by Ridicule
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