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.
Ask me how I'm doing care to know the answer?
soon I'll be the one you know is winning stand and face the ones you spin
the tales of knowing "heard the sounds you were creating living showing
while the others weren't listening..."
now they wait to get their fill of all the reasons why you made it riding backs
of those who gave you all their time unanswered messages
"we'll get together when you play the show and fill the stands and meet the customer demand
for all things pretty we can move to any band that sets the mood..."
And I can
And I will
Hold me down
Keep me still
Take your reasons
Lies you sell
'Cause I know you
All too well...
The party people gather quickly
drinks in hand to hear the thing their friends will talk about
and wish away the meaning and the inspiration to the background music
search the crowd for faces focused on the you
of all the headlines focused always on the by-lines live the life rockstar persona
People magazine will show us all the greatest angles of a face so recognizable
perfect grace accept the nomination "entertainer of the year"
you beat out everyone and everything even sold us with your tears...
And I can
And I will
Hold me down
Keep me still
Take your reasons
Lies you sell
'Cause I know you
All too well...
A lasting year of dedication to the cause of all the patience
if I save the time I'm willing to give up the things I build
and keep away from those who shop the very things
I cannot stop the way you live a life self-focused scan the pages get the most
you can and ask me how I'm doing care to know the answer?
soon I'll be the one you know is winning stand and face the ones you lose...
And I can
And I will
Hold me down
Keep me still
Take your reasons
Lies you sell
'Cause I know you
All too well
'Cause I know you
All too well...
soon I'll be the one you know is winning stand and face the ones you spin
the tales of knowing "heard the sounds you were creating living showing
while the others weren't listening..."
now they wait to get their fill of all the reasons why you made it riding backs
of those who gave you all their time unanswered messages
"we'll get together when you play the show and fill the stands and meet the customer demand
for all things pretty we can move to any band that sets the mood..."
And I can
And I will
Hold me down
Keep me still
Take your reasons
Lies you sell
'Cause I know you
All too well...
The party people gather quickly
drinks in hand to hear the thing their friends will talk about
and wish away the meaning and the inspiration to the background music
search the crowd for faces focused on the you
of all the headlines focused always on the by-lines live the life rockstar persona
People magazine will show us all the greatest angles of a face so recognizable
perfect grace accept the nomination "entertainer of the year"
you beat out everyone and everything even sold us with your tears...
And I can
And I will
Hold me down
Keep me still
Take your reasons
Lies you sell
'Cause I know you
All too well...
A lasting year of dedication to the cause of all the patience
if I save the time I'm willing to give up the things I build
and keep away from those who shop the very things
I cannot stop the way you live a life self-focused scan the pages get the most
you can and ask me how I'm doing care to know the answer?
soon I'll be the one you know is winning stand and face the ones you lose...
And I can
And I will
Hold me down
Keep me still
Take your reasons
Lies you sell
'Cause I know you
All too well
'Cause I know you
All too well...
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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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