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.
Does it feel so bad when you're taking a drag
and when you're looking at the world through tired eyes?
When you stare at it dead and you're giving it head
and all those things you say you love never come alive
If it feels so bad
Bad magick playing off of me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to be your friend
It feels so bad
Bad magick laying into me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to hear it again
When you get so high that you're wanting to
die but everything around you is turning green
When you get so low and I know you've been
feeling like a dried out leaf in a summer breeze
I don't like it!
If it feels so bad
Bad magick playing off of me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to be your friend
It feels so bad
Bad magick laying into me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to hear it again
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah (x3)
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah, yeah
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back bitch
Back, back, get back on track and get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
If it feels so bad
Bad magick playing off of me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to be your friend
It feels so bad
Bad magick laying into me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to hear it again
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track
and when you're looking at the world through tired eyes?
When you stare at it dead and you're giving it head
and all those things you say you love never come alive
If it feels so bad
Bad magick playing off of me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to be your friend
It feels so bad
Bad magick laying into me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to hear it again
When you get so high that you're wanting to
die but everything around you is turning green
When you get so low and I know you've been
feeling like a dried out leaf in a summer breeze
I don't like it!
If it feels so bad
Bad magick playing off of me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to be your friend
It feels so bad
Bad magick laying into me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to hear it again
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah (x3)
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah, yeah
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back bitch
Back, back, get back on track and get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
If it feels so bad
Bad magick playing off of me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to be your friend
It feels so bad
Bad magick laying into me
It feels so bad
Oh no, I don't want to hear it again
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
Yeah
I'm getting back, get back on track, get off of my back
I'm getting back, get back on track
Lyrics submitted by Metal6Hell6Maker6
Bad Magick Lyrics as written by Salvatore P. Erna
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
this song is killer, not my fav, but i don't skip it. it might b about sum1 trying 2 stop drinking or doing drugs, but they can't cause they r 2 addicted.