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.
I was five years old
They came and took my daddy away
Momma said he'll be back home a year from today
I know you're young but I hope you understand
These are the kind of things that happen to a man
I see her talkin' but I can't hear nothin'
Sweet salvation cover me
Take me where I long to be
Pick me up and carry me
Oh I need your love
It’s such a long way home
Even though I fall sometimes
Nothin' here can change my mind
Lord I need your love
It’s such a long way home
Daddy cried
Boy you'd better come home right now
Momma's gone
Sickness took her down
I know you're young
But I hope you understand
these are the kind of things that happen to a man
I see him talkin' but I don't hear nothin'
Lookin' round but I can't see
I touch fear but I feel nothin'
Sweet salvation cover me
All this pain locked up inside of me
On my knees I prayed you'd set me free
I know you hurt
But I really do understand
I'm the one who held your pain when I became a man
Speak to me so I hear something
turn my eyes so I can see
You touch fear and I feel something
Sweet salvation cover me
Jeremiah 17:14 / Psalm 116:6 / Proverbs 13:12
They came and took my daddy away
Momma said he'll be back home a year from today
I know you're young but I hope you understand
These are the kind of things that happen to a man
I see her talkin' but I can't hear nothin'
Sweet salvation cover me
Take me where I long to be
Pick me up and carry me
Oh I need your love
It’s such a long way home
Even though I fall sometimes
Nothin' here can change my mind
Lord I need your love
It’s such a long way home
Daddy cried
Boy you'd better come home right now
Momma's gone
Sickness took her down
I know you're young
But I hope you understand
these are the kind of things that happen to a man
I see him talkin' but I don't hear nothin'
Lookin' round but I can't see
I touch fear but I feel nothin'
Sweet salvation cover me
All this pain locked up inside of me
On my knees I prayed you'd set me free
I know you hurt
But I really do understand
I'm the one who held your pain when I became a man
Speak to me so I hear something
turn my eyes so I can see
You touch fear and I feel something
Sweet salvation cover me
Jeremiah 17:14 / Psalm 116:6 / Proverbs 13:12
Lyrics submitted by Jayknight
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