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.
Oh lighten up, where's your sense of humor
They're just tiny little rumors
That I started 'cause I'm lookin' out for you
Ah settle down, I'm just a little jealous
And I'm sure those other fellas
Never once believed the lies I told were true
Like the time I told that cowboy that you used to be a man
And the doctor you were datin' that you hide your wedding band
Even if I am responsible for scaring them away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin' you a favor
'Cause it never woulda worked out anyway
Ah can't you see, the reason that I'm doin'
All the crazy things I'm doin'
Is because I really care about you girl
And I'll admit that I go a little farther
Than I know I probably oughta
But it's all because I need you in my world
Like the time I told that lawyer that you spent a year in jail
And the salesman you were seein' you hang out at cheap motels
Even if I am responsible for scaring them away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin' you a favor
'Cause it never woulda worked out anyway
I can't stand the thought of you with anybody else
I know I've gone overboard but I can't help myself
Like the time I told that dentist you had seven little kids
And you doubled as a dancer at the strip joint on the ridge
Even if I am responsible for scaring him away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin' you a favor
'Cause it never woulda worked out anyway
It's all because I love you and I can't stop thinkin' of you
And it never woulda worked out anyway
They're just tiny little rumors
That I started 'cause I'm lookin' out for you
Ah settle down, I'm just a little jealous
And I'm sure those other fellas
Never once believed the lies I told were true
Like the time I told that cowboy that you used to be a man
And the doctor you were datin' that you hide your wedding band
Even if I am responsible for scaring them away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin' you a favor
'Cause it never woulda worked out anyway
Ah can't you see, the reason that I'm doin'
All the crazy things I'm doin'
Is because I really care about you girl
And I'll admit that I go a little farther
Than I know I probably oughta
But it's all because I need you in my world
Like the time I told that lawyer that you spent a year in jail
And the salesman you were seein' you hang out at cheap motels
Even if I am responsible for scaring them away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin' you a favor
'Cause it never woulda worked out anyway
I can't stand the thought of you with anybody else
I know I've gone overboard but I can't help myself
Like the time I told that dentist you had seven little kids
And you doubled as a dancer at the strip joint on the ridge
Even if I am responsible for scaring him away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin' you a favor
'Cause it never woulda worked out anyway
It's all because I love you and I can't stop thinkin' of you
And it never woulda worked out anyway
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This is a great song.