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.
Lets begin with the past in front and all the things that you really don't care about now
You'd be exactly where I'm at
And to think you've got a grip well, look at yourself your lips are like two flaps of fat
They go front and back and flappidy flappidy flap
I'm on stage its all an act, I'm really scared that I may fall back on the abstract
It'd be exactly where I'm at
If you're to be
The roaming eye well pry it open and let me tell you why it sees
The harsh realities
Lets begin with the past in front and all the things that you really don't care about now
You'd be exactly where I'm at
You'd be exactly where I'm at
And to think you've got a grip well, look at yourself your lips are like two flaps of fat
They go front and back and flappidy flappidy flap
I'm on stage its all an act, I'm really scared that I may fall back on the abstract
It'd be exactly where I'm at
If you're to be
The roaming eye well pry it open and let me tell you why it sees
The harsh realities
Lets begin with the past in front and all the things that you really don't care about now
You'd be exactly where I'm at
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I disagree with Optimus, I think It is about somebody being fake:
"and to think You got a grip, well look at yourself" People that are fake usually think they "have a grip" or are cool but they are just really insecure with themselves.
"I'm all staged, it's all an act" They are being somebody they arent
I really dont see how this song has anything to do with phychedelics, when people are frying on acid, they are just frying balls, people dont think about where they are at or the things they care about. And usually I am quite (but that is just me). For instance If it is a good trip you are enjoying what you are seeing, when having a bad trip, you freak out and want it to end.
Its really hard to declare a song is about drugs (inless it is blaintently clear) because everyone has a different perspective when they are on a certain drug.