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've got some scattered pictures lyin' on my bedroom floor
Reminds me of the times we've shared
Makes me wish that you were here, 'cause
Now it seems I've forgotten my purpose in this life
Well, all the songs have been erased
Guess I've learned from my mistakes, well
Open the past and present now, and we are there
Story to tell, and I am listening
Open the past and present and the future too
It's all I've got, and I'm givin' it to you
Well, loose ends tied in knots leavin' a lump down in my throat
Well, gaggin' on a souvenir
Live to fill another year
We'll drag it on and on until my skin is ripped to shreds
Well, leavin' myself open wide
Livin' out a sacrifice, well
Open the past and present now, and we are there
Story to tell, and I am listening
Open the past and present and the future too
It's all I've got, and I'm givin' it to you
If you got no one
And I got no place to go
Would it be alright?
Could it be alright?
Well, I've got some scattered pictures lyin' on my bedroom floor
Reminds me of the times we've shared
Makes me wish that you were here, 'cause
Now it seems I've forgotten my purpose in this life
Well, all the songs have been erased
Guess I've learned from my mistakes, well
Open the past and present now, and we are there
Story to tell, and I am listening
Open the past and present and the future too
It's all I've got, and I'm givin' it to you
It's all I've got, and I'm givin' it to you
Reminds me of the times we've shared
Makes me wish that you were here, 'cause
Now it seems I've forgotten my purpose in this life
Well, all the songs have been erased
Guess I've learned from my mistakes, well
Open the past and present now, and we are there
Story to tell, and I am listening
Open the past and present and the future too
It's all I've got, and I'm givin' it to you
Well, loose ends tied in knots leavin' a lump down in my throat
Well, gaggin' on a souvenir
Live to fill another year
We'll drag it on and on until my skin is ripped to shreds
Well, leavin' myself open wide
Livin' out a sacrifice, well
Open the past and present now, and we are there
Story to tell, and I am listening
Open the past and present and the future too
It's all I've got, and I'm givin' it to you
If you got no one
And I got no place to go
Would it be alright?
Could it be alright?
Well, I've got some scattered pictures lyin' on my bedroom floor
Reminds me of the times we've shared
Makes me wish that you were here, 'cause
Now it seems I've forgotten my purpose in this life
Well, all the songs have been erased
Guess I've learned from my mistakes, well
Open the past and present now, and we are there
Story to tell, and I am listening
Open the past and present and the future too
It's all I've got, and I'm givin' it to you
It's all I've got, and I'm givin' it to you
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