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.
Anythings hard to change
But hey I got you down on your knees again
You watch the sky
It's a pale parade of passing clouds
That cover
The bed upon which we laid
In the dark
And the memories that I made
Of a laughing girl
But you're just my toy
And I can't stop playing with you, baby
[Chorus]
If you think you need to go
If you wanted to be free
There's one thing you need to know
And that's that you can't count on me
Coming along real good
But I still can't do most of the things I should
I watch the sky coming down to bury me and
I can't stop this crawling out of my skin
I know that you see yourself flying in
Out of the sky
Coming down
To carry me
But I won't come out
[Chorus]
No you can't count on me
I watched all of the same parades
As they passed on the days that you wish you'd stayed
All this pain gets me high
And I get off and you know why
[Chorus: x2]
Aw you can't count on me
No you can't count on me
But hey I got you down on your knees again
You watch the sky
It's a pale parade of passing clouds
That cover
The bed upon which we laid
In the dark
And the memories that I made
Of a laughing girl
But you're just my toy
And I can't stop playing with you, baby
[Chorus]
If you think you need to go
If you wanted to be free
There's one thing you need to know
And that's that you can't count on me
Coming along real good
But I still can't do most of the things I should
I watch the sky coming down to bury me and
I can't stop this crawling out of my skin
I know that you see yourself flying in
Out of the sky
Coming down
To carry me
But I won't come out
[Chorus]
No you can't count on me
I watched all of the same parades
As they passed on the days that you wish you'd stayed
All this pain gets me high
And I get off and you know why
[Chorus: x2]
Aw you can't count on me
No you can't count on me
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
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.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
after watching the video, i think i have to agree with all or nothin - we see him throwin around a bunch of stuff at his apartment but none of it hits the ground and then he walks out and then when the girl walks in, all the stuff that had been hovering in midair comes crashing down and a tear falls from her eye. so i think all the stuff crashing is to emphasize just how much it hurt him when she broke up with him or something like that and to show that he's sooo done with her now, and she realizes that and that's why she's crying.