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.
I was daily growing
Dressed in red from head to toe
You were all the thought I was knowing
And the sun gave shine, no care the season
While I learned my one, two, three's and
You fell in to teach me treason
And now I spend my each day busy
Jumping on the monkey show
Jumping on the monkey show
Searching for a face I know
And I just walk for hours down the red-brick march of market street
Of market street
I spend my each days in repeat
And lady, she's all right with me
Done borrowed all my empathy
Now you know she got the best of me
'Cause she's not lying next to me
And all things fine, sweet day beginning
I got up and fell right in
Climbed up to where you was living
And you stood in the backdoor yawning
And I caught where you turns me on
You're the reason I wake each morning
And sunshine plays the puddles through the mornings evenings afternoons
Mornings evenings afternoons
I count my thoughts with coffee-spoons
And something reeks of heave 'neath the highway where the hobos sleep
Where the hobos sleep
And laugh about the pains I keep
And lady, she's a friend of mine
'Cause I know how to take my time
But I can't say that without lyin'
So I'll try not to try next time
Dressed in red from head to toe
You were all the thought I was knowing
And the sun gave shine, no care the season
While I learned my one, two, three's and
You fell in to teach me treason
And now I spend my each day busy
Jumping on the monkey show
Jumping on the monkey show
Searching for a face I know
And I just walk for hours down the red-brick march of market street
Of market street
I spend my each days in repeat
And lady, she's all right with me
Done borrowed all my empathy
Now you know she got the best of me
'Cause she's not lying next to me
And all things fine, sweet day beginning
I got up and fell right in
Climbed up to where you was living
And you stood in the backdoor yawning
And I caught where you turns me on
You're the reason I wake each morning
And sunshine plays the puddles through the mornings evenings afternoons
Mornings evenings afternoons
I count my thoughts with coffee-spoons
And something reeks of heave 'neath the highway where the hobos sleep
Where the hobos sleep
And laugh about the pains I keep
And lady, she's a friend of mine
'Cause I know how to take my time
But I can't say that without lyin'
So I'll try not to try next time
Lyrics submitted by Prothesenschlacht
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
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
I fucking love it.