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.
Lately been thinking about
What it means to be in a country that's not
All that it should be.
I don't know if I'm all ready to leave.
Do you really want to be in America?
See, you don't really have to be in America
Somewhere else might be better
I'm not just talking about weather
But I don't think that I'd be willing to get up and go
You've got the answer?
Speak up if you know
Maybe it's just that I know
What it means to me to be living a life
Almost thinking free
I can pretty well choose how I want to be
Do you really want to be in America?
See, you don't really have to be in America
Somewhere else might be better
I won't be living here forever
But I don't think that I'd be willing to get up and go
You've got the answer
Speak up if you know
Who says your life's an easy ride?
Who says the government's on your side?
Think for yourself
Who cares what they decide . . .
What it means to be in a country that's not
All that it should be.
I don't know if I'm all ready to leave.
Do you really want to be in America?
See, you don't really have to be in America
Somewhere else might be better
I'm not just talking about weather
But I don't think that I'd be willing to get up and go
You've got the answer?
Speak up if you know
Maybe it's just that I know
What it means to me to be living a life
Almost thinking free
I can pretty well choose how I want to be
Do you really want to be in America?
See, you don't really have to be in America
Somewhere else might be better
I won't be living here forever
But I don't think that I'd be willing to get up and go
You've got the answer
Speak up if you know
Who says your life's an easy ride?
Who says the government's on your side?
Think for yourself
Who cares what they decide . . .
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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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