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.
Look what's been done, John
It's coming out of the east like rain, Johnny
Look what's been done, John
It's coming like a God with no name, Johnny
And I'm out near Santa Fe
Hitching out for the warmer days
I'm all broke up, Johnny
It all just beat me down, beat me down
Look down the line, Johnny
There's flashlights on the back-roads, Johnny
Look down the line, Johnny
Of the American unknown, Johnny
And I'm out here in the desert
All your dreams lie dead in the desert
I'm all torn up, Johnny
It all just beat me down, beat me down
Look at that girl, Johnny
Yellow hair a shine, Indian eyes to see, Johnny
Look at her, Johnny
Her love is like anything to me, Johnny
What slipped so deep into me?
I can never get it out of me
I'm all broke up, Johnny
It all just tore me down
It's coming out of the east like rain, Johnny
Look what's been done, John
It's coming like a God with no name, Johnny
And I'm out near Santa Fe
Hitching out for the warmer days
I'm all broke up, Johnny
It all just beat me down, beat me down
Look down the line, Johnny
There's flashlights on the back-roads, Johnny
Look down the line, Johnny
Of the American unknown, Johnny
And I'm out here in the desert
All your dreams lie dead in the desert
I'm all torn up, Johnny
It all just beat me down, beat me down
Look at that girl, Johnny
Yellow hair a shine, Indian eyes to see, Johnny
Look at her, Johnny
Her love is like anything to me, Johnny
What slipped so deep into me?
I can never get it out of me
I'm all broke up, Johnny
It all just tore me down
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I reckon it's about having to get out of New York, the Heroin scene and away from his friend Johnny Thunders. He's describing beauty and freedom that's out there, at the same time trying to explain to him I'm still thinking of you but I am broken and I need to get well.