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.
[Chorus:]
I don't need to need you
Tell me what to do
Tell me what to say
Don't you want to help me
Tell me what to do
Help me find a way
If I was not me
I would hate me too
Just like you do
I don't need to need you
Tell me what to do
Tell me what to say
It's all made worse by a simple scheme
You're slipping away from me
Can't decide sometimes if it's worth the point
The point is the struggle, insecurity
Hopefully, you make no mistake
If you learn from what you've got to take
Good or bad, it's all gonna add up in the end but,
You can never win.
[Chorus]
And it's the desperation to hold on to
Something that can't be held on to
So, Don't waste your time filling up my words
Don't tell me why, assume the worst.
Hopefully, you make no mistake
If you learn from what you've got to take
Good or bad, it's all gonna add up in the end but,
You can never win.
Don't thank me,
Don't tell me how,
Don't break me down,
Don't help me make it,
I don't need to need you
Tell me what to do
Tell me what to say
Don't you want to help me
Tell me what to do
Help me find a way
I don't need to need you
Tell me what to do
Tell me what to say
Don't you want to help me
Tell me what to do
Help me find a way
If I was not me
I would hate me too
Just like you do
I don't need to need you
Tell me what to do
Tell me what to say
It's all made worse by a simple scheme
You're slipping away from me
Can't decide sometimes if it's worth the point
The point is the struggle, insecurity
Hopefully, you make no mistake
If you learn from what you've got to take
Good or bad, it's all gonna add up in the end but,
You can never win.
[Chorus]
And it's the desperation to hold on to
Something that can't be held on to
So, Don't waste your time filling up my words
Don't tell me why, assume the worst.
Hopefully, you make no mistake
If you learn from what you've got to take
Good or bad, it's all gonna add up in the end but,
You can never win.
Don't thank me,
Don't tell me how,
Don't break me down,
Don't help me make it,
I don't need to need you
Tell me what to do
Tell me what to say
Don't you want to help me
Tell me what to do
Help me find a way
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I like your interpretation J_P . I think it's about confusion as well...It really sucks, that's why even when I really like this song, it kind of brings me down...I've been there for so long!.