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.
If you don't mind waiting, I will be near
Saying the only words you want to hear
And while we are talking, our eyes must not meet
A smile of sincerity is a crime on these streets
Pacts held at lunchtime, lunch left to waste
Speaking of life and books (well, what ELSE in that place?)
In these drab, loveless buildings that all look the same
You are my teacher--but I am contained
I may laugh, but I am only to blame
Words that could SAVE me I kept so contained
In that tip of a summer, nothing could mar
Those tentative times in that wreck of a car
I was yours for the asking, a child afraid
Sent unfettered letters, postage unpaid
In identical avenues that no one would miss
The world could not touch us, but we could not kiss
For in this life that is measured out in bus stops and rain
You were my teacher--but I was contained
Saying the only words you want to hear
And while we are talking, our eyes must not meet
A smile of sincerity is a crime on these streets
Pacts held at lunchtime, lunch left to waste
Speaking of life and books (well, what ELSE in that place?)
In these drab, loveless buildings that all look the same
You are my teacher--but I am contained
I may laugh, but I am only to blame
Words that could SAVE me I kept so contained
In that tip of a summer, nothing could mar
Those tentative times in that wreck of a car
I was yours for the asking, a child afraid
Sent unfettered letters, postage unpaid
In identical avenues that no one would miss
The world could not touch us, but we could not kiss
For in this life that is measured out in bus stops and rain
You were my teacher--but I was contained
Lyrics submitted by owennnnnnnnnn
Contained Lyrics as written by Timothy Chipping Richard Edwards
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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