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.
[Chorus:]
It covers the roadways
It covers the hillsides
It covers the houses
It covers the frozen pines
We had the snowfall
To run all the rations dry
When we got hungry
We'd taken what wasn't ours
Now we will set out
The seats are cold on this boat
As we head towards the ocean, towards the ocean
Making our way out
Trying to survive
As we head our towards the ocean
I'm not sure where this river goes
But we have no choice but to follow
There is smoke in the sky over those trees
Let us hope they are kind to you and me
Let us hope, let us hope they have enough
Winter comes it sure is rough
Maybe they'll welcome us
We won't ask much
But their rations were low
And they couldn't help us
So off we go
[Chorus]
Now we will set out
The seats are cold on this boat
As we head towards the ocean
Making our way out
Trying to survive
As we head our towards the ocean
Towards the ocean, towards the ocean
Towards the ocean, towards the ocean
It covers the roadways
It covers the hillsides
It covers the houses
It covers the frozen pines
We had the snowfall
To run all the rations dry
When we got hungry
We'd taken what wasn't ours
Now we will set out
The seats are cold on this boat
As we head towards the ocean, towards the ocean
Making our way out
Trying to survive
As we head our towards the ocean
I'm not sure where this river goes
But we have no choice but to follow
There is smoke in the sky over those trees
Let us hope they are kind to you and me
Let us hope, let us hope they have enough
Winter comes it sure is rough
Maybe they'll welcome us
We won't ask much
But their rations were low
And they couldn't help us
So off we go
[Chorus]
Now we will set out
The seats are cold on this boat
As we head towards the ocean
Making our way out
Trying to survive
As we head our towards the ocean
Towards the ocean, towards the ocean
Towards the ocean, towards the ocean
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