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.
Dry and desolate
Salt on the ground of former oceans
And with the slightest breeze, all I am just blows away
And this road is wearing thin
I think I lost what I have been
Between the summit and this valley I stand in
And it’s too late to retreat
I doused the bridge with kerosene
Lit a match, turned my back and fled from all the heat
Now I wish I would have been warned
Sometimes summer can last too long
I am so far away; this is not the place I want to stay
I’m lost
So don your hoods and do the dances
Look to the skies for all the answers
It’s just a drop but it forms all the rivers
And I’m hiding in the shade
The worms are eating what I’ve made
Was it one wrong turn that brought me into this place?
Because it’s so simple to believe
When only one side can be seen
But what’s an image when compared with reality?
Salt on the ground of former oceans
And with the slightest breeze, all I am just blows away
And this road is wearing thin
I think I lost what I have been
Between the summit and this valley I stand in
And it’s too late to retreat
I doused the bridge with kerosene
Lit a match, turned my back and fled from all the heat
Now I wish I would have been warned
Sometimes summer can last too long
I am so far away; this is not the place I want to stay
I’m lost
So don your hoods and do the dances
Look to the skies for all the answers
It’s just a drop but it forms all the rivers
And I’m hiding in the shade
The worms are eating what I’ve made
Was it one wrong turn that brought me into this place?
Because it’s so simple to believe
When only one side can be seen
But what’s an image when compared with reality?
Lyrics submitted by constant
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