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.
Radio operator, in a tiny foreign room
We can hear you now and later
Calling out and coming through
Radio operator, you're a voice so far from home
With a signal like a heartbeat
Not afraid but so alone
Where are the messages for me
The secret codes for parts unknown
I'll ride the signal to the world
And to the girl in San Antone
Radio operator, do you ever think of me
Cause I'm a gleam on some horizon
Just too far away to see
Radio operator, there are still messages to send
From the future, from the present
And it never has to end
Where are the messages for me
The secret codes for parts unknown
I'll ride the signal to the world
And to the girl in San Antone
Radio operator, I am calling like a friend
From my future, from your memory
And it never has to end
This message will not end
We can hear you now and later
Calling out and coming through
Radio operator, you're a voice so far from home
With a signal like a heartbeat
Not afraid but so alone
Where are the messages for me
The secret codes for parts unknown
I'll ride the signal to the world
And to the girl in San Antone
Radio operator, do you ever think of me
Cause I'm a gleam on some horizon
Just too far away to see
Radio operator, there are still messages to send
From the future, from the present
And it never has to end
Where are the messages for me
The secret codes for parts unknown
I'll ride the signal to the world
And to the girl in San Antone
Radio operator, I am calling like a friend
From my future, from your memory
And it never has to end
This message will not end
Lyrics submitted by OwnPersonalDemon
Radio Operator Lyrics as written by John Leventhal Rosanne Cash
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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