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.
Let the medicine take over
Close the blinds with my hands
I stayed in bed most of October
I thought I was well but I guess I am
Chorus:
Sick to the bone of waking lonely
And trying to keep my head from going under
I keep going so sick to the bone and still
Stuck to my guns, drinking alone, sick to the bone
The very unmarried ladies of Avenue A
Say "Spread the wealth baby spread the wealth"
Are you feeling a little unsteady today?
Sugar have I got something for you
It's something strong, like medicine
Like the beard of the old man, like you know I am
Repeat Chorus
Hey you better heal yourself
Hey you better lock your door
'Cause it's kill or cure
I thought I had the inoculation
It turns out not to be the case
And the sky is loaded like a question
Like the beard of the old man, like you know I am
Repeat Chorus
Close the blinds with my hands
I stayed in bed most of October
I thought I was well but I guess I am
Chorus:
Sick to the bone of waking lonely
And trying to keep my head from going under
I keep going so sick to the bone and still
Stuck to my guns, drinking alone, sick to the bone
The very unmarried ladies of Avenue A
Say "Spread the wealth baby spread the wealth"
Are you feeling a little unsteady today?
Sugar have I got something for you
It's something strong, like medicine
Like the beard of the old man, like you know I am
Repeat Chorus
Hey you better heal yourself
Hey you better lock your door
'Cause it's kill or cure
I thought I had the inoculation
It turns out not to be the case
And the sky is loaded like a question
Like the beard of the old man, like you know I am
Repeat Chorus
Lyrics submitted by notworthloving
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I love this song...not all the lyrics are posted and I love the one that goes "Can you make me well, well I doubt it."
The only line I don't understand is "Like the beard of the old man, like you know I am". Is this some kind of expression, or simply stating he feels old?