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.
You don't have to be so scared
You don't have to leave tonight
I've just got to hold on tight
For one hell of a ride
And we lost it all just now
To the nights that left you out
So we'll let this go somehow
But you're gunna be proud
And I just needed you to pick me up
Like you did when we were younger
When the lightning and the thunder
Had me clinging to your heart
For someone
To lift me up
When I'm down and I'm forgotten
You'll forever be my father
And I'll be saving tears in jars for this one
How can I fit all these words
Into such a simple verse
It's the last time that we'll speak
So listen to me please
And I just needed you to pick me up
Like you did when we were younger
When the lightning and the thunder
Had me clinging to your heart
For someone
To lift me up
When I'm down and I'm forgotten
You'll forever be my father
And I'll be saving tears in jars for this one
Did you know that you're my heart
And it hurts to be apart
And this cut it hurts so deep
So sing me to sleep
You don't have to leave tonight
I've just got to hold on tight
For one hell of a ride
And we lost it all just now
To the nights that left you out
So we'll let this go somehow
But you're gunna be proud
And I just needed you to pick me up
Like you did when we were younger
When the lightning and the thunder
Had me clinging to your heart
For someone
To lift me up
When I'm down and I'm forgotten
You'll forever be my father
And I'll be saving tears in jars for this one
How can I fit all these words
Into such a simple verse
It's the last time that we'll speak
So listen to me please
And I just needed you to pick me up
Like you did when we were younger
When the lightning and the thunder
Had me clinging to your heart
For someone
To lift me up
When I'm down and I'm forgotten
You'll forever be my father
And I'll be saving tears in jars for this one
Did you know that you're my heart
And it hurts to be apart
And this cut it hurts so deep
So sing me to sleep
Lyrics submitted by brittanynoele
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anyone who has a father should cry to this song... cant imagine losing my dad...