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.
Life ain't always beautiful
Sometimes it's just plain hard
Life can knock you down
It can break your heart.
Life ain't always beautiful
You think you're on your way
And it's just a dead end road
At the end of the day.
But the struggles make you stronger
And the changes make you wise
And happiness has it's own way
Of taking it's own sweet time.
No, life ain't always beautiful
Tears will fall sometimes
Life ain't always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride.
Life ain't always beautiful
Some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walking
All these lonely miles.
And wish for just one minute
That I could see your pretty face
Guess, I can dream
But life don't work that way.
But the struggles make me stronger
And the changes make me wise
And happiness has it's own way
Of taking it's sweet time.
No, life ain't always beautiful
But I know I'll be fine
Life ain't always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride.
What a beautiful ride
Sometimes it's just plain hard
Life can knock you down
It can break your heart.
Life ain't always beautiful
You think you're on your way
And it's just a dead end road
At the end of the day.
But the struggles make you stronger
And the changes make you wise
And happiness has it's own way
Of taking it's own sweet time.
No, life ain't always beautiful
Tears will fall sometimes
Life ain't always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride.
Life ain't always beautiful
Some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walking
All these lonely miles.
And wish for just one minute
That I could see your pretty face
Guess, I can dream
But life don't work that way.
But the struggles make me stronger
And the changes make me wise
And happiness has it's own way
Of taking it's sweet time.
No, life ain't always beautiful
But I know I'll be fine
Life ain't always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride.
What a beautiful ride
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