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.
Take your guitar
I'll take my keys
Let's start a band
We can play in my sheets
I'll play the bass if you take the lead
I'll keep the time if you keep the beat
Play me a song
Anything that you like
The progressions, the end, all those you write
All those lyrics you write
On your guitar
On your guitar
Put your hands round my neck
Now pluck my strings
I know it depends on the music I bring
Keep playing me like a guitar
Hit all my notes
Be my super star
And
Play me a song
Anything that you like
The progressions, the end, all those you write
All those lyrics you write
On your guitar
On your guitar
So don't be shy
Come play your song
I'm down to listen all night long
Just set the mood
Bring love and tunes
And we can both perform
Bring your guitar
I have my keys
Boy come play my melody
Let's play all night
A symphony
Let's let the music set us free
And play me a song
Anything that you like
The progressions, the end, all those you write
All those lyrics you write
On your guitar
On your guitar
I'll take my keys
Let's start a band
We can play in my sheets
I'll play the bass if you take the lead
I'll keep the time if you keep the beat
Play me a song
Anything that you like
The progressions, the end, all those you write
All those lyrics you write
On your guitar
On your guitar
Put your hands round my neck
Now pluck my strings
I know it depends on the music I bring
Keep playing me like a guitar
Hit all my notes
Be my super star
And
Play me a song
Anything that you like
The progressions, the end, all those you write
All those lyrics you write
On your guitar
On your guitar
So don't be shy
Come play your song
I'm down to listen all night long
Just set the mood
Bring love and tunes
And we can both perform
Bring your guitar
I have my keys
Boy come play my melody
Let's play all night
A symphony
Let's let the music set us free
And play me a song
Anything that you like
The progressions, the end, all those you write
All those lyrics you write
On your guitar
On your guitar
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Listen- when I first heard this song- I was like 'nah- don't like it much' but listen to the GUITAR in this and it's incredible.. I seen him perform this one at the 07.07.07 concert in Minneapolis - whew.. it was well above 'kick-ass'.