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.
It was a Sunday when his phone rang
I know how busy you have been
I'm just calling to check in
Heard his voice
I knew then, it happened again (it happened again)
This one was different
I knew he meant it
But the feeling's always the same
Part of you that'll take the blame
And better days is losing its ring
If this means something at all
I, know we're not like them, couldn't be if we tried
Life, on life's terms ain't easy (on life's terms ain't easy)
Told me the story, all too familiar
It was a ghost from the past
Really thought this one would last
Baby boy, you deserve so much more (so much more)
Hate to see it happen to a friend
Why the lesson guys win in the end?
Wondering what she had until you're gone
She lost a good one
Found her when it all turns to a mess
But I can see it happened for the best
Try to keep your chin up through the test
You just gotta have faith
If this means something at all
I, know we're not like them, couldn't be if we tried
Life, on life's terms ain't easy, just gotta take it in stride
And I'm by your side
You've been by mine ,through the good and the bad, yeah
And all those nights when we'd just drive
And we felt all alone in the world
Look out tonight and we were right
Look how far we have come
Now is our time
I, know we're not like them, couldn't be if we tried
Life, on life's terms ain't easy, just gotta take it in stride
I, know we're not like them, couldn't be if we tried
Life, life isn't easy, just gotta take it in stride
I know how busy you have been
I'm just calling to check in
Heard his voice
I knew then, it happened again (it happened again)
This one was different
I knew he meant it
But the feeling's always the same
Part of you that'll take the blame
And better days is losing its ring
If this means something at all
I, know we're not like them, couldn't be if we tried
Life, on life's terms ain't easy (on life's terms ain't easy)
Told me the story, all too familiar
It was a ghost from the past
Really thought this one would last
Baby boy, you deserve so much more (so much more)
Hate to see it happen to a friend
Why the lesson guys win in the end?
Wondering what she had until you're gone
She lost a good one
Found her when it all turns to a mess
But I can see it happened for the best
Try to keep your chin up through the test
You just gotta have faith
If this means something at all
I, know we're not like them, couldn't be if we tried
Life, on life's terms ain't easy, just gotta take it in stride
And I'm by your side
You've been by mine ,through the good and the bad, yeah
And all those nights when we'd just drive
And we felt all alone in the world
Look out tonight and we were right
Look how far we have come
Now is our time
I, know we're not like them, couldn't be if we tried
Life, on life's terms ain't easy, just gotta take it in stride
I, know we're not like them, couldn't be if we tried
Life, life isn't easy, just gotta take it in stride
Lyrics submitted by fedorov1fan
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ok new interpretation
watching his friend and his gf breaking up... and comparing himself and his friend to all the "lesser guys" who "always win"... and reassuring his friend that even though the idiots have it better now, they couldn't be like them and they wouldn't want to...