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.
Cast the calming apple
Up and over satellites
To draw out the timid wild one
To convince you it's alright
And I listen for the whisper
Of your sweet insanity
While I formulate denials
Of your effect on me
You're a stranger
So what do I care?
You vanish today
Not the first time I hear
All the lies
What am I to do with all this silence?
Shy away, shy away phantom
Run away, terrified child
Won't you move away, you fuckin' tornado
I'm better off without you
Tearing my will down
Up and over satellites
To draw out the timid wild one
To convince you it's alright
And I listen for the whisper
Of your sweet insanity
While I formulate denials
Of your effect on me
You're a stranger
So what do I care?
You vanish today
Not the first time I hear
All the lies
What am I to do with all this silence?
Shy away, shy away phantom
Run away, terrified child
Won't you move away, you fuckin' tornado
I'm better off without you
Tearing my will down
Lyrics submitted by ObsessiveTendencies, edited by Serspring
A Stranger Lyrics as written by William L. Howerdel Maynard James Keenan
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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you nailed it. damned if I didn't know these lyrics the first time I felt them.