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.
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she walks by and the menfolks get engrossed
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she winks an eye and bread slices turn to toast
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she's got a lot of what they call the most
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
The girl can't help It if she was born to please
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
And if she's got a figure made to squeeze
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
Won't you kindly be aware
The girl can't help it, the girl can't help it!
If she mesmerizes ev'ry mother's son
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she smiles and rare steaks become well done
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she makes grandpa feel like twenty one
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
The Girl can't help it if she was born to please
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
And if I go to her on bended knees
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
Won't you kindly be aware, that I can't help it, I can't help it
Because I'm hopin' obviously
That someday the answer will be
The girl can't help it if she's in love with me!
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she walks by and the menfolks get engrossed
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she winks an eye and bread slices turn to toast
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she's got a lot of what they call the most
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
The girl can't help It if she was born to please
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
And if she's got a figure made to squeeze
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
I'm hopin' obviously
That someday the answer will be
The girl can't help it if she's in love with me!
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she walks by and the menfolks get engrossed
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she winks an eye and bread slices turn to toast
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she's got a lot of what they call the most
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
The girl can't help It if she was born to please
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
And if she's got a figure made to squeeze
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
Won't you kindly be aware
The girl can't help it, the girl can't help it!
If she mesmerizes ev'ry mother's son
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she smiles and rare steaks become well done
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she makes grandpa feel like twenty one
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
The Girl can't help it if she was born to please
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
And if I go to her on bended knees
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
Won't you kindly be aware, that I can't help it, I can't help it
Because I'm hopin' obviously
That someday the answer will be
The girl can't help it if she's in love with me!
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she walks by and the menfolks get engrossed
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she winks an eye and bread slices turn to toast
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
If she's got a lot of what they call the most
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
The girl can't help It if she was born to please
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
And if she's got a figure made to squeeze
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
I'm hopin' obviously
That someday the answer will be
The girl can't help it if she's in love with me!
She can't help it, the girl can't help it
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.