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.
I have a mansion, forget the price
Ain't never been there, they tell me it's nice
I live in hotels, tear out the walls
I have accountants pay for it all
They say I'm crazy but I have a good time
I'm just looking for clues at the scene of the crime
Life's been good to me so far
My Maseratti does one-eighty-five
I lost my license, now I don't drive
I have a limo, ride in the back
I lock the doors in case I'm attacked
I'm makin' records, my fans they can't wait
They write me letters, tell me I'm great
So I got me an office, gold records on the wall
Just leave a message, maybe I'll call
Lucky I'm sane after all I've been through
(Everybody say, "I'm cool," "He's cool")
I can't complain but sometimes I still do
Life's been good to me so far
I go to parties sometimes until four
It's hard to leave when you can't find the door
It's tough to handle this fortune and fame
Everybody's so different, I haven't changed
They say I'm lazy but it takes all my time
(Everybody say, "Oh yeah," "Oh yeah")
I keep on goin' guess I'll never know why
Life's been good to me so far
Ah, yeah, yeah
(Uh-oh, here comes a flock of wah-wahs)
Ain't never been there, they tell me it's nice
I live in hotels, tear out the walls
I have accountants pay for it all
They say I'm crazy but I have a good time
I'm just looking for clues at the scene of the crime
Life's been good to me so far
My Maseratti does one-eighty-five
I lost my license, now I don't drive
I have a limo, ride in the back
I lock the doors in case I'm attacked
I'm makin' records, my fans they can't wait
They write me letters, tell me I'm great
So I got me an office, gold records on the wall
Just leave a message, maybe I'll call
Lucky I'm sane after all I've been through
(Everybody say, "I'm cool," "He's cool")
I can't complain but sometimes I still do
Life's been good to me so far
I go to parties sometimes until four
It's hard to leave when you can't find the door
It's tough to handle this fortune and fame
Everybody's so different, I haven't changed
They say I'm lazy but it takes all my time
(Everybody say, "Oh yeah," "Oh yeah")
I keep on goin' guess I'll never know why
Life's been good to me so far
Ah, yeah, yeah
(Uh-oh, here comes a flock of wah-wahs)
Lyrics submitted by VampedVixen
Life's Been Good Lyrics as written by Joe Walsh
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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It can't be on the Eagles greatest hits because it is by Joe walsh - as a soloist. Obvious meaning of the lyrics - a satirical look at a rock star's life and the trappngs of success. Funny but probably true. Love the lyrics. "I can't complain but sometimes I still do".
this song is one of the best Joe Walsh has ever written
The song it self is a tribute to his life in general The Lines "I live in hotels Tear out the walls I have accountants Pay for it all" It refers to what get him actually entertained while on tour. He was given a chainsaw for his birthday and he would litteraly destroys the hotel room but before he would always bring an accountant and give them money before hand This song is one of the best live
Funny song with obvious meaning. And yeah it is NOT an Eagles song, this is from Joe Walsh's solo career though he plays it live with the Eagles now.
i cant beleive this song only has this many comments. i love this song. def. one of my favs by the eagles
Wow...I cant believe nobody has ever commented on this song. I love this song. I dont understand why its not on the complete Greatest Hits Album...Of course its not as good as Hotel California-but its good enough for me!
Stupid song about stars that don't deserve anything.
I like this song alot.. go Joe you ROCKK!