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.
When the sun is in the mid-sky, well, he wears a golden crown
And he soaks the world with sunshine as he makes another round
Been a faster year than yesterday, all things that I had planned
And when I think I might be gaining, I'm in the sunshine once again, yeah
Well I walk the road of life among the strong, among the weak
And I ask them for the shortcut to the answers that I seek
But no one seems understands what is and what will be
For the questions of my childhood weave a web of mystery
Just a web of mystery
Can you get me through these changes?
Well I sure don't know about life
But one thing for sure
All I need is you (baby)
We can find the golden key to unlock the door
I don't wanna face a world of disillusion
I've come to one conclusion that I know you know is true
In a game of silent searching, the cost of love is rising
And I'm just now realizing I'd be better off with you
Better off with you, ooh
It's a game that I've been living, now I need to know what's real
Can you help me find the answers, can you tell the way I feel?
Will you stay with me forever, or just stay with me tonight?
And we can talk about tomorrow, if it all works out alright
Yes, if it all works out alright
Can you get me through these changes?
Well I sure don't know about life
But one thing for sure
All I need is you (baby)
We can find the golden key to unlock the door
And he soaks the world with sunshine as he makes another round
Been a faster year than yesterday, all things that I had planned
And when I think I might be gaining, I'm in the sunshine once again, yeah
Well I walk the road of life among the strong, among the weak
And I ask them for the shortcut to the answers that I seek
But no one seems understands what is and what will be
For the questions of my childhood weave a web of mystery
Just a web of mystery
Can you get me through these changes?
Well I sure don't know about life
But one thing for sure
All I need is you (baby)
We can find the golden key to unlock the door
I don't wanna face a world of disillusion
I've come to one conclusion that I know you know is true
In a game of silent searching, the cost of love is rising
And I'm just now realizing I'd be better off with you
Better off with you, ooh
It's a game that I've been living, now I need to know what's real
Can you help me find the answers, can you tell the way I feel?
Will you stay with me forever, or just stay with me tonight?
And we can talk about tomorrow, if it all works out alright
Yes, if it all works out alright
Can you get me through these changes?
Well I sure don't know about life
But one thing for sure
All I need is you (baby)
We can find the golden key to unlock the door
Lyrics submitted by Idan, edited by Octavarium64
Questions of My Childhood Lyrics as written by Steve Walsh Kerry Livgren
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Leftoverture in my opinion is the best album of Kansas's. This is one great Kansas song.
I agree.
Pound for pound this album is great from start to finish. Not a bad song in the bunch
It's about the foolhardy but invigorating passion of youth.
To me, Questions of My Childhood is exactly that. This song is sung from the perspective of a just maturing adult, just away from "mom and dad" and making his way in this world.
'He' realizes that all his childhood questions weren't really answered. The answers he got were all half lies intended to shelter him from the harsh realities.
Now he's grown up, and he is realizing, not only the harsh true answers to all his childhood questions, but exactly why he wasn't told the truth from the beginning.
Verse 1 - see Pink Floyd's "Time" song. The singer is realizing the nature of time. Verse 2 - The singer is realizing he doesn't know everything, which is the beginning of true wisdom. Chorus - The singer realizes that the "road of life" is easier when you walk it with a lover, spouse, and/or companion. Last Verses - The singer is talking to a potential lover/companion, and trying to convince the person to join 'him' and they can grow wise together. That's what I get out of it. IMHO