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.
You're probably sick of being tired
You can't find the strength to close your eyes
You can't let go,
But you can't change everything
Stop laying in this burning bed
Write it on the walls and read it
Bright red so you can see it
Don't fail me now
Write it on the walls and read it
Until there are no secrets
So safe and sound
At least for now
Time's gonna warn you with a whisper
What it wants to let you know
You can't live in fear of the things that aren't for sure
So stay alive by playing dead
Write it on the walls and read it
Bright red so you can see it
Don't fail me now
Write it on the walls and read it
Until there are no secrets
So safe and sound
Still there are lines for us to write before we close our eyes
And only time will tell the ending when the ink runs dry
Time will tell everything,
It's ever so quiet counting down
Write it on the walls and read it
Blood red so you can see it
Life leaking out
Write it on the walls and read it
Until there are no secrets
So safe and sound
At least for now
At least for now
You can't find the strength to close your eyes
You can't let go,
But you can't change everything
Stop laying in this burning bed
Write it on the walls and read it
Bright red so you can see it
Don't fail me now
Write it on the walls and read it
Until there are no secrets
So safe and sound
At least for now
Time's gonna warn you with a whisper
What it wants to let you know
You can't live in fear of the things that aren't for sure
So stay alive by playing dead
Write it on the walls and read it
Bright red so you can see it
Don't fail me now
Write it on the walls and read it
Until there are no secrets
So safe and sound
Still there are lines for us to write before we close our eyes
And only time will tell the ending when the ink runs dry
Time will tell everything,
It's ever so quiet counting down
Write it on the walls and read it
Blood red so you can see it
Life leaking out
Write it on the walls and read it
Until there are no secrets
So safe and sound
At least for now
At least for now
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