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.
Can you roll down the window, can I have a cigarette
Can I sweep you for forgiveness,
Can I sweep you for regret
And can you drive a little faster, to clear my head
Can you see that I've been crying, can you tell that I've been alone
Can we walk the streets at the same time, I don't mind
I'll be quiet and no one will know
And can you drive a little faster, take me home
(intro to chorus)
These are the days that make up the lifetimes
These are the clothes that I wear
And this is the only thing I wanted more than anything
(chorus)
I wanna fall, at a million miles an hour with people and
Little picture radios, and I'm smiling but I'm
Trying hard not to smile
And I crave for the little conversation
And the way you toss your hair back, you're beautiful
And it suits me fine
(solo)
(intro to chorus)
(chorus)
(chorus)
These are the days that make up the lifetimes
These are the lifetimes that make up generations
These are the lifetimes that make up generations
These are the days
These are the days that make up the lifetimes
Can I sweep you for forgiveness,
Can I sweep you for regret
And can you drive a little faster, to clear my head
Can you see that I've been crying, can you tell that I've been alone
Can we walk the streets at the same time, I don't mind
I'll be quiet and no one will know
And can you drive a little faster, take me home
(intro to chorus)
These are the days that make up the lifetimes
These are the clothes that I wear
And this is the only thing I wanted more than anything
(chorus)
I wanna fall, at a million miles an hour with people and
Little picture radios, and I'm smiling but I'm
Trying hard not to smile
And I crave for the little conversation
And the way you toss your hair back, you're beautiful
And it suits me fine
(solo)
(intro to chorus)
(chorus)
(chorus)
These are the days that make up the lifetimes
These are the lifetimes that make up generations
These are the lifetimes that make up generations
These are the days
These are the days that make up the lifetimes
Lyrics submitted by winterfairy
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I think this song means that this guy wants a girl who doesn't want him back. The line "Can we walk the streets at the same time, I don't mind" could mean that can we please talk? I promise no one will find out and ruin your reputation by being seen with me. "These are the clothes that I wear" means that this is how I am, please accept me for it. "And this is the only thing I wanted more than anything" means that even though this girl doesn't return his love, he'll do anything, because her love is what he wants more than anything. "I crave for the little conversation, the way you toss your hair back" means that he craves for the few times that she talks to him and he longs to see her and have her talk to him. Then, the line "You're beautiful, and it suits me fine" means that he's just content to sit back and look at her and maybe not be able to have her after all. "These are the days that make up the lifetimes" I think means that what she does to him on all of these days makes up his entire lifetime, and those lifetimes make up generations, and so on.