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.
So you call home for Christmas
It's for certain that they'll cross you off the list
And you can't go home and you won't stay here
Refusing to believe a single word they hear
Because after all when you break down
And your back's to the wall
You're a crisis with a backbeat
A sofa and a loveseat
And said now and then
We miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here
We guard it closely
You're so far gone
You're so unable
It's been so long
When you set the table
Don't set a place for me
Don't set a place for me
Tonight
So we head for the coastline
Let's leave tonight
For the summer and sunshine
And everything's gonna be all right
This place is a ghost town
And the coast is clear
In a place like this
A ghost like me might find a way to disappear
Because after all when you break down
And your back's to the wall
You're a crisis with a backbeat
A sofa and a loveseat
And said now and then
We miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here
We guard it closely
You're so far gone
You're so unable
It's been so long
Before you clear the table
Raise a glass for me
Did you raise a glass for me tonight
Here's to friends and family
Here's to feelings you can't fight
Here's to comfort that you find
Here's to sleeping through the night
I'll find my way
It's the best that I can say
It's the best that I can say
And said now and then
We miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here
We guard it closely
You're so far gone
You're so unable
It's been so long
So to friends and family
Could you say a prayer for me tonight
It's for certain that they'll cross you off the list
And you can't go home and you won't stay here
Refusing to believe a single word they hear
Because after all when you break down
And your back's to the wall
You're a crisis with a backbeat
A sofa and a loveseat
And said now and then
We miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here
We guard it closely
You're so far gone
You're so unable
It's been so long
When you set the table
Don't set a place for me
Don't set a place for me
Tonight
So we head for the coastline
Let's leave tonight
For the summer and sunshine
And everything's gonna be all right
This place is a ghost town
And the coast is clear
In a place like this
A ghost like me might find a way to disappear
Because after all when you break down
And your back's to the wall
You're a crisis with a backbeat
A sofa and a loveseat
And said now and then
We miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here
We guard it closely
You're so far gone
You're so unable
It's been so long
Before you clear the table
Raise a glass for me
Did you raise a glass for me tonight
Here's to friends and family
Here's to feelings you can't fight
Here's to comfort that you find
Here's to sleeping through the night
I'll find my way
It's the best that I can say
It's the best that I can say
And said now and then
We miss you mostly
There's an empty chair here
We guard it closely
You're so far gone
You're so unable
It's been so long
So to friends and family
Could you say a prayer for me tonight
Lyrics submitted by EroticLibrary
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i love bill's quote too! its such an awesome song! its such an awesome cd too! i never really paid attention to its meaning but the part when it says "don't set a place for me tonight" fits well with your explanation of the song.