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.
Today I'm missing something
In this small new england town.
Here's to you my best friend.
Just wanted to say that I miss
Having you around.
I'm staring at your picture
And dreaming that I could hold your hand.
We'd walk down to the ocean
And I would write your name in the sand.
They say sometimes you need some time apart
But I've got a bad case of broken heart.
And you're the only one who's got the cure.
And I can't live another day without seeing you smile.
2000 miles between us and I guess that I'm the one to blame.
Relationships and heartaches,
These two things are one and the same.
The radio plays a love song.
I smash my fist right through the dial.
Here's to the broken hearted.
A generation born in denial.
In this small new england town.
Here's to you my best friend.
Just wanted to say that I miss
Having you around.
I'm staring at your picture
And dreaming that I could hold your hand.
We'd walk down to the ocean
And I would write your name in the sand.
They say sometimes you need some time apart
But I've got a bad case of broken heart.
And you're the only one who's got the cure.
And I can't live another day without seeing you smile.
2000 miles between us and I guess that I'm the one to blame.
Relationships and heartaches,
These two things are one and the same.
The radio plays a love song.
I smash my fist right through the dial.
Here's to the broken hearted.
A generation born in denial.
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Good explanations so far.. to me this song speaks to the to the person who defines him/herself by their achievements. It's about someone who has thought that their worth could be measured only by how "well" they do in life. The author has obviously come to the realization that this can't be, that the struggle for perfection is in vain, and not worth the pain it brings to the individual. He doesn't think that striving for perfection is realistic. He wants to be able to connect with others and fears his desire for perfection will get in the way. If he continues on this path, he will become consumed by this desire and become detatched from his life and the people in it. He didn't realize how difficult this course would be and wishes that people would take him seriously when he expresses his pain. His journey to perfection has taken him to a place where he is alone and he has no joy. His mind is in turmoil trying to figure things out and his thoughts of giving up (possibly suicide?) are tempting him more an more. He feels as though nothing can release him of his misery, no one can rescue him from his feeling of inadequacy and detachment. These feelings are all he has. He deeply regrets starting on this quest for perfection and acknowledges it was the worst mistake he ever made. He knows that the pain and pressure will never end and questions if he really knew that to begin with.