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've noticed your design
'Cause I'm not blind
I'm like a cigarette
Burning burning every night
But there's no ash that falls
There's only telephone calls in the afternoon
Stretching through a thousand walls
So I'll pray
For words to say
To make these miles disappear
If you can't sleep alone(If you can't sleep alone)
I'm better off
I'm better off
If you can't sleep alone
If you're measuring with time
In seconds or in lifetimes
There's no difference
It's constantly just passing by
But there's nothing at all
No Valium or slow songs
To relax my view
Just you, maybe your new perfume
So I'll pray
For words to say
To make these miles disappear
If you can't sleep alone(if you can't sleep alone)
I'm better off
I'm better off
If you can't hear the song(if you can't hear the song)
Then turn it off
Then turn if off
If you cast that first stone
Then throw them all
Then throw them all
I start to sleep but it's not over
The second hand is moving slower now
I'd take it all back
To start over again
Just between the rock and paper
The scissors cut in so much deeper
I'd take it all back
To start over again
'Cause I'm not blind
I'm like a cigarette
Burning burning every night
But there's no ash that falls
There's only telephone calls in the afternoon
Stretching through a thousand walls
So I'll pray
For words to say
To make these miles disappear
If you can't sleep alone(If you can't sleep alone)
I'm better off
I'm better off
If you can't sleep alone
If you're measuring with time
In seconds or in lifetimes
There's no difference
It's constantly just passing by
But there's nothing at all
No Valium or slow songs
To relax my view
Just you, maybe your new perfume
So I'll pray
For words to say
To make these miles disappear
If you can't sleep alone(if you can't sleep alone)
I'm better off
I'm better off
If you can't hear the song(if you can't hear the song)
Then turn it off
Then turn if off
If you cast that first stone
Then throw them all
Then throw them all
I start to sleep but it's not over
The second hand is moving slower now
I'd take it all back
To start over again
Just between the rock and paper
The scissors cut in so much deeper
I'd take it all back
To start over again
Lyrics submitted by BassicChick
In a Win, Win Situation Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Great version of a great song,
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I think this is about Toby's personal life and being on the road away from his wife all the time.
It's called a win win situation because if she can't sleep alone and cheats on him he's away and it's better, but if she stays faithful he knows that she's right and he wins because he found the right girl.
"If we're measuring with time in seconds or in lifetimes there’s no difference it’s constantly just passing by"
that part of the song just freaks me out, i love it, it reminds me how much we really have to apreciate every moment because time slips away and after its gone there is nothing we can do
This song is one of my favorites on the album. I love the little end part sung with the girl. "And I'll stay here. You'll be gone for another year. And plans that I've made are falling on deaf ears. And I'm beside myself now that you have gone..." These lyrics almost sound like regret on her part. Anyone know who the female that sings it is?
REAL good song... fav on the CD...yes
The female vocalist is Melanie Studley.
I love this song. I just love it. The female vocals are a nice touch.
this cd seems to be about people making mistakes and running and doing bad things. it concludes with "i'd take it all back to start over again" which i think wraps up the album
the last part...the beat that starts it...is that sposed to be the beat of a bed? and then at the end it kinda sounds like they stop and get off...
or maybe im just delusional?
"If you can't sleep alone, I'm better off"
I don't think these lines are about how if she gets lonely and cheats on him he'll be gone so it's better. When I hear that line I think that if she can't sleep alone, he's better off because he knows it's because she misses him.
matthiasnotjudas I think that was dead on. The minute I heard this song I thought of his relationship with his wife and how hard it must be. when hes talking about if she cant sleep alone, I really do think its like "if you cheat on me cuz Im gone, then I dont need you" and he says if you cant hear the song then turn it off. cuz this song is for her you know?