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.
Once upon a time you dressed so fine
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
People call, said, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall"
You thought they were all kiddin' you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal
How does it feel? How does it feel?
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
You've gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
Nobody's ever taught you how to live out on the street
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You said, you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but know you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And say, "Do you want to make a deal?"
How does it feel? How does it feel?
To be on your own with no direction of home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They're drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
(That they got it made)
Exchanging all precious gifts
But you'd better take your diamond ring
Oh you'd better, you'd better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse
How does it feel? How does it feel?
To be on your own with no direction of home
Like a complete unknown
How does it feel? How does it feel?
To be on your own with no direction of home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
People call, said, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall"
You thought they were all kiddin' you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal
How does it feel? How does it feel?
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
You've gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
Nobody's ever taught you how to live out on the street
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You said, you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but know you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And say, "Do you want to make a deal?"
How does it feel? How does it feel?
To be on your own with no direction of home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They're drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
(That they got it made)
Exchanging all precious gifts
But you'd better take your diamond ring
Oh you'd better, you'd better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse
How does it feel? How does it feel?
To be on your own with no direction of home
Like a complete unknown
How does it feel? How does it feel?
To be on your own with no direction of home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher, edited by lyricdude22
Like a Rolling Stone Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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So, the first night was not a great start, but the narrator pursued the relationship and eventually both overcame the rough start to fall in love with each other:
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This was the perfect song for "13 Reasons Why"
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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no way. i love anberlin but in no way could they ever pull this song off better than bob dylan.
First comment??? Sweet.
I think this is about a girl who was once rich and popular and has lost everything. Now she's on the streets and is now no one. I think she has to succumb to doing things for money that aren't right.
I like this version better than Bob Dylan's.