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.
Well you know I'm not much good at writin' letters
So I gave up and decided that I'd call
Now there's really not much news to tell you
Things back here they never change at all
It snowed today, it's cold here for November
But I hear the weather's warm out there
Oh, and if you see Burt Reynolds would you shake his hand for me
And tell ol' Burt I've seen all his movies
Well, I hope you make for big time, I hope your dreams come true
But if Hollywood don't need you, honey, I still do
Last night I drove the truck to Amarillo
Some friends and I we had a laugh or two
But lately we don't cut up like we used to
Cause all that I can think about is you
I know this is what you've always wanted
But I know now that all I want is you
So if you see Burt Reynolds would you shake his hand for me
And tell ol' Burt I've seen all his movies
Well, I hope you make for big time, I hope your dreams come true
But if Hollywood don't need you, honey, I still do
If Hollywood don't need you, honey, I still do
So I gave up and decided that I'd call
Now there's really not much news to tell you
Things back here they never change at all
It snowed today, it's cold here for November
But I hear the weather's warm out there
Oh, and if you see Burt Reynolds would you shake his hand for me
And tell ol' Burt I've seen all his movies
Well, I hope you make for big time, I hope your dreams come true
But if Hollywood don't need you, honey, I still do
Last night I drove the truck to Amarillo
Some friends and I we had a laugh or two
But lately we don't cut up like we used to
Cause all that I can think about is you
I know this is what you've always wanted
But I know now that all I want is you
So if you see Burt Reynolds would you shake his hand for me
And tell ol' Burt I've seen all his movies
Well, I hope you make for big time, I hope your dreams come true
But if Hollywood don't need you, honey, I still do
If Hollywood don't need you, honey, I still do
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would love to know who Mr. McDill wrote this song about...