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.
I'm thinking of my soul's sovereignty,
and I know everything you hate in me.
Fill me up with over-pious badgerings,
to throw them up, oh, one of my favorite things.
Remember all the lessons fed to me?
Me the young sponge, so ready to agree.
Years have gone; I recognize the walking dead,
now aware that I'm alive and way ahead.
Too bad the things that make you mad
are my favorite things.
And I'm so happy.
I see you looking, I know that you're thinking
that I'll never go anywhere.
The things that I've done and the things
that I've seen, I don't really expect you to care.
and I know everything you hate in me.
Fill me up with over-pious badgerings,
to throw them up, oh, one of my favorite things.
Remember all the lessons fed to me?
Me the young sponge, so ready to agree.
Years have gone; I recognize the walking dead,
now aware that I'm alive and way ahead.
Too bad the things that make you mad
are my favorite things.
And I'm so happy.
I see you looking, I know that you're thinking
that I'll never go anywhere.
The things that I've done and the things
that I've seen, I don't really expect you to care.
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