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.
Haven't felt me feel real in a long time
Why won't you touch me?
Everything is yours, nothing's mine
You don't owe me
Anything
make mistakes like we know how
We're learning slowly
Still the same? I beg to differ
You hardly know me
All the things you say get back at you
Today I woke up hurting
Did I ever sleep?
wake me up before california
Darling boy, I always adore ya
If this is what you want, then I'll leave
Baby
Maybe
haven't felt so well for so well now
You can't slow me
Make mistakes like only I know how
I don't even know me
Anymore
All the things I say
Give 'em back to me
Today I woke up hurting
Did I ever sleep?
wake me up before california
Darling boy I've never known ya
If this is what you need, then I'll leave
Baby
Baby
I'm sorry
Baby
all the things I say
I'll give 'em back to you
Always wake up hurting
Did I ever sleep?
wake me up in time for california
And I'm the one to forget all about you
And then I'll leave
Why won't you touch me?
Everything is yours, nothing's mine
You don't owe me
Anything
make mistakes like we know how
We're learning slowly
Still the same? I beg to differ
You hardly know me
All the things you say get back at you
Today I woke up hurting
Did I ever sleep?
wake me up before california
Darling boy, I always adore ya
If this is what you want, then I'll leave
Baby
Maybe
haven't felt so well for so well now
You can't slow me
Make mistakes like only I know how
I don't even know me
Anymore
All the things I say
Give 'em back to me
Today I woke up hurting
Did I ever sleep?
wake me up before california
Darling boy I've never known ya
If this is what you need, then I'll leave
Baby
Baby
I'm sorry
Baby
all the things I say
I'll give 'em back to you
Always wake up hurting
Did I ever sleep?
wake me up in time for california
And I'm the one to forget all about you
And then I'll leave
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wahoo, i get to be first commenter on one of the best new bands around. annie hardy is kick ass.
Yes, she is. I think this song is about feeling bad over hurting someone, even though they've hurt you too.
this song is gorgeous my fave by the band. or one of my favourites.
For me, it's one of those songs that make me get a lump in my throat. The first time I heard it, it reminded me of my ex who dropped me like a dime for no reason at all. Wondered what was wrong with me. I didn't know what I did wrong. Great song. Fucking awesome band!
yes, because that was a direct comment about this song, wasnt it??
I love this song, the "wake me up before California" harmonies are so sugary and pretty.
Reminds me of New Order's "Ceremony."
Always sounded to me like the song in the last scene of a film.
I could be completely off the mark but i hear a connection with the OC (TV series) in this song. The way she sings 'California' reminds me of the theme song from the series. So perhaps it's remark that she is not like the girls on the show or the girls who typically watch it... 'If this is what you want then I'll leave'
The melodramatic nature of their relationship is beginning to parallel the show. The boy probably wants a simplified version of their current reality... 'Darling boy, I always adore you... If this is what you want, then i'll leave"
just my interpretation :)
amazing song, my favourite of theirs for sure.
Although I dig the Giant Drag version I prefer the Icarus Line original. Also I think the line is 'Haven't felt so well for some while now'
FUCK CHRISTIANITY AND ALL OTHER BULSHIT RELIGIONS