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.
The scenery rides by
Just like floats lost in a parade
Where the palms and tumbleweeds sail
Right past the homes they stretch and they fade
Rolling like movie credits
Far beneath the clear skies
How wary does the West carry
So many sights, yeah, let's see the sights!
Slow prayers with no answers
Must go somewhere
Fall away
And the Wild West is a slow pan
And the sunshine is fake
And the ocean is just painted
On a backdrop downtown
The miniature sprawls blur
From the set lights and the heat
Where the summer's path with charades
Right where the sidewalks crack and they meet
Just like a sad, sad actress
Right before her last scene
How wary does the West carry
So many sights, yeah, let's see the sights!
Slow prayers with no answers
Must go somewhere
Fall away
And the Wild West is a slow pan
And the sunshine is fake
And the ocean is just painted
On a backdrop
Somewhere
Downtown
Just like floats lost in a parade
Where the palms and tumbleweeds sail
Right past the homes they stretch and they fade
Rolling like movie credits
Far beneath the clear skies
How wary does the West carry
So many sights, yeah, let's see the sights!
Slow prayers with no answers
Must go somewhere
Fall away
And the Wild West is a slow pan
And the sunshine is fake
And the ocean is just painted
On a backdrop downtown
The miniature sprawls blur
From the set lights and the heat
Where the summer's path with charades
Right where the sidewalks crack and they meet
Just like a sad, sad actress
Right before her last scene
How wary does the West carry
So many sights, yeah, let's see the sights!
Slow prayers with no answers
Must go somewhere
Fall away
And the Wild West is a slow pan
And the sunshine is fake
And the ocean is just painted
On a backdrop
Somewhere
Downtown
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I think this song is comparing movies and the West. Good song.