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.
That bird's ready I know
He's tired of being alone
He's working all on his own
Building himself a home
And take that finch when he sings
See his mate by his wings
And if you listen close
You may even hear him say
Will our love ever end (woah no)
Will you stop being my best friend (woah no)
Will you sleep as worse as me (woah no)
Singing a story of love in the leaves
(Oo-oo-o-oo)
Before the winter takes hold
And the figs are dry and cold
The birds are meetin' in the tree
And confess love's what they need
Perform love on their limbs
And sing one of love's true hyms
And if you listen close
You can even hear them say
Are you ever gonna treat me right (woah no)
Are you ever gonna hold me down (woah no)
Will you get tired holding me tight (woah no)
Looks like the story of love grows, alright
Will our love ever end (woah no)
Will you let me shake our tree (woah no)
Will you stop being my best friend (woah no)
Looks like the story of love never ends
He's tired of being alone
He's working all on his own
Building himself a home
And take that finch when he sings
See his mate by his wings
And if you listen close
You may even hear him say
Will our love ever end (woah no)
Will you stop being my best friend (woah no)
Will you sleep as worse as me (woah no)
Singing a story of love in the leaves
(Oo-oo-o-oo)
Before the winter takes hold
And the figs are dry and cold
The birds are meetin' in the tree
And confess love's what they need
Perform love on their limbs
And sing one of love's true hyms
And if you listen close
You can even hear them say
Are you ever gonna treat me right (woah no)
Are you ever gonna hold me down (woah no)
Will you get tired holding me tight (woah no)
Looks like the story of love grows, alright
Will our love ever end (woah no)
Will you let me shake our tree (woah no)
Will you stop being my best friend (woah no)
Looks like the story of love never ends
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Love love love this song. So happy and fun to sing. One thing, though, I think "Are you ever gonna treat me right" should be "Will you ever not treat me right," otherwise it clashes with the rest of the song (It seems to me that he WILL treat her right.) Plus, that's what I hear in the line.