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 say you've got the cure
But I don't have a disease
And you say you've got the answers
But I've made no inquiries
And you're failing
Bailing
Good God, motherfucker, now I see you flailing
I see you flailing
That's right I think I do
I see you flailing away
I know it's hard, but so are you
And so am I and we'll pull through, together, together
And I said that it's been years, but I still fear
That someone dear will leave me here forever, forever
And I said, hey, you've got to keep trying
You've got to keep holding onto what you've got
Because what you've got it sure ain't a lot
And hey
Everyone's falling down
Everyone's holding out for what you've got
But what you've got, it sure ain't a lot
And you act like it is, but you know that it's not
And even if it was, would you ever give it up?
If I told you what you had was really nothing?
Nothing?
Nothing?
Yes, it's nothing
Nothing at all
So you say your life's a bore
And I can't quite disagree
If you judge your life by the pieces of shit that inhabit your TV
Because they stand so proud, and they talk too loud
And every other word is a lie
I've found that everyone who is anyone is a waste of time
A waste of time
I know it's hard, but so are you
And so am I and we'll pull through together, together
And I said that it's been years but I still fear
That someone dear will leave me here forever, forever
And I said, hey, you've got to keep trying
You've got to keep holding onto what you've got
Because what you've got it sure ain't a lot
And hey
Everyone's falling down
Everyone's holding out for what you've got
But what you've got, it sure ain't a lot
And you act like it is, but you know that it's not
And even if it was, would you ever give it up?
If I told you what you had was really nothing?
Nothing?
Nothing?
Yes, it's nothing
Nothing at all
Nothing
You won't say nothing
You don't say nothing
And that's just fine
Nothing
You won't say nothing
You don't say nothing
And that's just fine
[Repeat: x3]
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But names will never hurt me
And it's been years, but still I fear that someday they'll desert me
Oh, it's hard, I know
When it's time to stand alone
And no one understands you
But I don't have a disease
And you say you've got the answers
But I've made no inquiries
And you're failing
Bailing
Good God, motherfucker, now I see you flailing
I see you flailing
That's right I think I do
I see you flailing away
I know it's hard, but so are you
And so am I and we'll pull through, together, together
And I said that it's been years, but I still fear
That someone dear will leave me here forever, forever
And I said, hey, you've got to keep trying
You've got to keep holding onto what you've got
Because what you've got it sure ain't a lot
And hey
Everyone's falling down
Everyone's holding out for what you've got
But what you've got, it sure ain't a lot
And you act like it is, but you know that it's not
And even if it was, would you ever give it up?
If I told you what you had was really nothing?
Nothing?
Nothing?
Yes, it's nothing
Nothing at all
So you say your life's a bore
And I can't quite disagree
If you judge your life by the pieces of shit that inhabit your TV
Because they stand so proud, and they talk too loud
And every other word is a lie
I've found that everyone who is anyone is a waste of time
A waste of time
I know it's hard, but so are you
And so am I and we'll pull through together, together
And I said that it's been years but I still fear
That someone dear will leave me here forever, forever
And I said, hey, you've got to keep trying
You've got to keep holding onto what you've got
Because what you've got it sure ain't a lot
And hey
Everyone's falling down
Everyone's holding out for what you've got
But what you've got, it sure ain't a lot
And you act like it is, but you know that it's not
And even if it was, would you ever give it up?
If I told you what you had was really nothing?
Nothing?
Nothing?
Yes, it's nothing
Nothing at all
Nothing
You won't say nothing
You don't say nothing
And that's just fine
Nothing
You won't say nothing
You don't say nothing
And that's just fine
[Repeat: x3]
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But names will never hurt me
And it's been years, but still I fear that someday they'll desert me
Oh, it's hard, I know
When it's time to stand alone
And no one understands you
Lyrics submitted by SlapsterMcFlash, edited by Fayiirah
Failing, Flailing Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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i agree with eddo- i like the 2nd half much more, but i think the contrast is good.