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.
come count your trophies and stack em high,
it's funny how reality can pass you by
little girl wanna be as pretty as she can and she lives by whatever it takes
the lights in her room are all dark-
and living doesn't hurt if you haven't got a heart so why not,
why not taste the pain?
you've got nothing to lose and nobody to blame
a hard shell for shame
so come display your skills,
'cause fuck lonely nights with empty bottles and pills
at 50/50 fills per shot come take her for a spin
and i hope you like your sin with skin
cuz you can count me- out
it's all for plastic- walking in your sleep
it's all for plastic and it's only skin deep
it's all for plastic- here's to your health
it's all plastic so you can go fuck yourself
gasoline and broken glass
shaking in your coffin as the hearses pass
are you afraid that nobody can hear your screams?
'cause we're out here,
we just don't care
pretty my pink, i can smell your stink- makes me sick
and i don't give a damn what you think anymore
back down against the floor
all for vanity, profanity and hells galore
liquid candy whore- suck it up, hold your breath
is it a taste of life or maybe just your death?
or better yet another chance for me to see right through
because it's who you fuck but who the fuck are you?
The american trademark
our symbol is simple
the bald eagle spread open wide
oh miss american pie I despise
the lack of respect between your thighs
and all of the lies inside your eyes
with that blazing look of plastic hate
cause your vain for heavens sake,
and thats not how I want to see what's with in you
get some more confidence and button up those pants of famous and shamelessness
You've got potential, I'm hoping eventually you'll find the right guy to take advantage of you.
it's funny how reality can pass you by
little girl wanna be as pretty as she can and she lives by whatever it takes
the lights in her room are all dark-
and living doesn't hurt if you haven't got a heart so why not,
why not taste the pain?
you've got nothing to lose and nobody to blame
a hard shell for shame
so come display your skills,
'cause fuck lonely nights with empty bottles and pills
at 50/50 fills per shot come take her for a spin
and i hope you like your sin with skin
cuz you can count me- out
it's all for plastic- walking in your sleep
it's all for plastic and it's only skin deep
it's all for plastic- here's to your health
it's all plastic so you can go fuck yourself
gasoline and broken glass
shaking in your coffin as the hearses pass
are you afraid that nobody can hear your screams?
'cause we're out here,
we just don't care
pretty my pink, i can smell your stink- makes me sick
and i don't give a damn what you think anymore
back down against the floor
all for vanity, profanity and hells galore
liquid candy whore- suck it up, hold your breath
is it a taste of life or maybe just your death?
or better yet another chance for me to see right through
because it's who you fuck but who the fuck are you?
The american trademark
our symbol is simple
the bald eagle spread open wide
oh miss american pie I despise
the lack of respect between your thighs
and all of the lies inside your eyes
with that blazing look of plastic hate
cause your vain for heavens sake,
and thats not how I want to see what's with in you
get some more confidence and button up those pants of famous and shamelessness
You've got potential, I'm hoping eventually you'll find the right guy to take advantage of you.
Lyrics submitted by missderelict
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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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Great version of a great song,
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i love it