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.
Laying in my bed tonight-
Before I got myself up to write this song
2AM - paper/pen - contemplating
The struggle we're engaged in -
Does anybody really even care?
But then I thought of your letter and I knew better!
So I'll do it again - yeah I'll sing it again
For my family, myself, my friends, THE KIDS!
[Chorus:]
Thanks for the letter that you sent
Reminding me not to give in!
"Dear Punk Rock Star:
I'm just kidding - but I like to call you that now and then just for fun.
I like your attitude.
I like your songs, I've been a really big fan since I can't remember when?
See there are some times when I feel really alone,
Cause I don't really have any friends, and I don't fit in at school.
The gym coach called me a "fag" in front of the entire class,
So now everyone puts me down by saying I'm gay.
But I don't care because I have nothing against homosexuals
And the gym teacher is an asshole!
I think the things you say are important.
Thanks a lot.
Keep fighting!"
[Chorus]
Thanks for the letter that you sent
Reminding me not to give in!
Before I got myself up to write this song
2AM - paper/pen - contemplating
The struggle we're engaged in -
Does anybody really even care?
But then I thought of your letter and I knew better!
So I'll do it again - yeah I'll sing it again
For my family, myself, my friends, THE KIDS!
[Chorus:]
Thanks for the letter that you sent
Reminding me not to give in!
"Dear Punk Rock Star:
I'm just kidding - but I like to call you that now and then just for fun.
I like your attitude.
I like your songs, I've been a really big fan since I can't remember when?
See there are some times when I feel really alone,
Cause I don't really have any friends, and I don't fit in at school.
The gym coach called me a "fag" in front of the entire class,
So now everyone puts me down by saying I'm gay.
But I don't care because I have nothing against homosexuals
And the gym teacher is an asshole!
I think the things you say are important.
Thanks a lot.
Keep fighting!"
[Chorus]
Thanks for the letter that you sent
Reminding me not to give in!
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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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Well, I'll be damned. This is a damn good song. Damnn
i love the letter part. so cool.
on i tunes they said this song was called "we found a place" whats going on they obviosly are the ones that got it wrong because the title you gave fits 100% lol
its great song too!
"The struuggle we're engaged in - does anybody really even care?"
ohmy what an awesome song justin sane is love