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.
They met in a karaoke bar
Jack was singing "Lola" in a long black wig
The TV screen with the lines from the song
Caught the reflection of a girl
He caught her eye and he went wrong
She laughed while he apologized
So they started talking to each other
Mary's friends listening from beyond
And shaking their heads
She had on half a smile as she looked away from him
He was falling victim to her every whim
The barman sighed, a tear in his eye
So they kissed that night and she took him home
Though they were strangers he held her so tenderly
But she thought it might be fun to string him along
She knew it wasn't right; she didn't think it was wrong
She'd stop before he was in love with her
She didn't stop to think she might fall in love with him
Well it went on for a week, a month, a year
Mary somehow forgot to break it off
Now she felt so trapped and she didn't know why
She was so sure that she loved him though it started as a lie
When she realised she broke down and told him
He already knew - he'd read it in her diary the day before
It turned out that he was the same as her
Living a lie on automatic pilot
Now they didn't know what to do
They didn't know who they were
Mary tried to smile, Jack slipped his hand into hers
The barman would have been surprised
Jack was singing "Lola" in a long black wig
The TV screen with the lines from the song
Caught the reflection of a girl
He caught her eye and he went wrong
She laughed while he apologized
So they started talking to each other
Mary's friends listening from beyond
And shaking their heads
She had on half a smile as she looked away from him
He was falling victim to her every whim
The barman sighed, a tear in his eye
So they kissed that night and she took him home
Though they were strangers he held her so tenderly
But she thought it might be fun to string him along
She knew it wasn't right; she didn't think it was wrong
She'd stop before he was in love with her
She didn't stop to think she might fall in love with him
Well it went on for a week, a month, a year
Mary somehow forgot to break it off
Now she felt so trapped and she didn't know why
She was so sure that she loved him though it started as a lie
When she realised she broke down and told him
He already knew - he'd read it in her diary the day before
It turned out that he was the same as her
Living a lie on automatic pilot
Now they didn't know what to do
They didn't know who they were
Mary tried to smile, Jack slipped his hand into hers
The barman would have been surprised
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
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
I LOVE this song. youtube.com/watch