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 on fire and now I think I'm ready to bust a move
Check it out, I'm rocking steady
Go!
Betty won't stop listening to modern rock
How she hates to be alone
I try to compensate her lack of love with coffee cake
Ice cream and a bottle of ten dollar wine
She says, "Hey, I rock the Haro Sport
I rock the cowgirl blues
I rock too fast for love
I'm footloose in my Velcro shoes
What's up with Will and Grace?
I don't get drum and bass
The future freaks me out."
I'm on fire and now I think I'm ready to bust a move
Check it out, I'm rocking steady
To the beat in my head
It goes oh, oh-oh-oh
I know that she's the only one
I'd rather waste our time together
Yeah, 'cause we can get down
Betty can't quit carving question marks in my wrist
How come we're so alone?
We waste away the days with nicotine and television samples
Of an era we hate to admit we embrace
We fail to represent
We fail to be content
We fail at everything we ever even try to attempt
And so the story goes
As only Betty knows
It's time we take control
(Get down)
Betty, I need you
I miss you
I'm so alone without you
To call up on the weekends with my cellular phone
Betty, it's so hard to relate
To the whole human race
I don't know where to begin
I don't know where to begin
If we can both find a way
To do the things that we say
We might not sit in our rooms
And drink our daydreams away
Betty, I'm a dreamer
I'm not a vicious schemer
Oh Betty, won't you- ah fuck it
Check it out, I'm rocking steady
Go!
Betty won't stop listening to modern rock
How she hates to be alone
I try to compensate her lack of love with coffee cake
Ice cream and a bottle of ten dollar wine
She says, "Hey, I rock the Haro Sport
I rock the cowgirl blues
I rock too fast for love
I'm footloose in my Velcro shoes
What's up with Will and Grace?
I don't get drum and bass
The future freaks me out."
I'm on fire and now I think I'm ready to bust a move
Check it out, I'm rocking steady
To the beat in my head
It goes oh, oh-oh-oh
I know that she's the only one
I'd rather waste our time together
Yeah, 'cause we can get down
Betty can't quit carving question marks in my wrist
How come we're so alone?
We waste away the days with nicotine and television samples
Of an era we hate to admit we embrace
We fail to represent
We fail to be content
We fail at everything we ever even try to attempt
And so the story goes
As only Betty knows
It's time we take control
(Get down)
Betty, I need you
I miss you
I'm so alone without you
To call up on the weekends with my cellular phone
Betty, it's so hard to relate
To the whole human race
I don't know where to begin
I don't know where to begin
If we can both find a way
To do the things that we say
We might not sit in our rooms
And drink our daydreams away
Betty, I'm a dreamer
I'm not a vicious schemer
Oh Betty, won't you- ah fuck it
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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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In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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