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.
A is for angry, which is what you are at me
A is for adult, which is what I'll never be
A is for applesauce, my favorite meal
A is for Adam, which is how I sometimes feel;
Like I'm the only man on earth and I've forgotten what that's worth
A is for Arthur, he's a lovable drunk
Amazing like Thelonius Monk
A is for argument, A is for apparent
A is for antagonism that's not even there and
It's just you begging for attention or something I won't even mention.
(chorus)
And I don't even know why you keep on trying
I don't even know why I keep on lying
There are millions of people in worlds of their own
And two of them can't let go.
A is for algebra, I learned it in school
A is what Fonzie said, 'cause he was very cool.
A is for adversery, A is for election
A is arousal, you are giving me an erection
C'mon I'm trying to show affection for longer than a half an hour.
(chorus)
I met a woman I used to know
Long before you, long ago
All I could say, after hello
Was "are you still single?"
A is attitude I can't help but wield
A is for arrogance; emotional shield
A is for acting, A is for abhorrently
A is for asshole, which is what I am, how rude of me,
I owe you an apology I'm sorry
(chorus)
Here we go
A
A is for adult, which is what I'll never be
A is for applesauce, my favorite meal
A is for Adam, which is how I sometimes feel;
Like I'm the only man on earth and I've forgotten what that's worth
A is for Arthur, he's a lovable drunk
Amazing like Thelonius Monk
A is for argument, A is for apparent
A is for antagonism that's not even there and
It's just you begging for attention or something I won't even mention.
(chorus)
And I don't even know why you keep on trying
I don't even know why I keep on lying
There are millions of people in worlds of their own
And two of them can't let go.
A is for algebra, I learned it in school
A is what Fonzie said, 'cause he was very cool.
A is for adversery, A is for election
A is arousal, you are giving me an erection
C'mon I'm trying to show affection for longer than a half an hour.
(chorus)
I met a woman I used to know
Long before you, long ago
All I could say, after hello
Was "are you still single?"
A is attitude I can't help but wield
A is for arrogance; emotional shield
A is for acting, A is for abhorrently
A is for asshole, which is what I am, how rude of me,
I owe you an apology I'm sorry
(chorus)
Here we go
A
Lyrics submitted by ojms
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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