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 hope you understand
What fear is before you have to feel it
I hope my neurosis don't rub off on you
I hope you always have enough to eat
I hope you're never bullied
And I hope you never bully others
I hope you find love
I hope you don't die before your time
I hope you don't blame yourself
For things that are not your fault
I hope you're always playing your tape
And I hope you'll visit me when I'm old
I hope you are true to yourself
I hope that rejection doesn't stop you loving
I hope you never experience war
What are you come to teach me?
Well, would you want 'Philosophy'
Or 'The New Wayne Rooney'?
Will it be poetry that lights your eyes?
Mine are shining and my tears flow free
Oh my son, what have I done?
Brought perfection to this world
Of confusion heedlessly
Now you're the one feeding me
Because I never knew love like this
Endlessly reaching back through eternity
That I can clearly see in your face
When you smile at me and grab my finger
I hope you outlive your parents
I hope you never bury your children
I hope you outlive your parents
I hope you never bury your children
I don't mind whether you're a boy or a girl
I just want you to be healthy
I hope we enjoy every minute of you growing up
I hope you lead your world to victory
What fear is before you have to feel it
I hope my neurosis don't rub off on you
I hope you always have enough to eat
I hope you're never bullied
And I hope you never bully others
I hope you find love
I hope you don't die before your time
I hope you don't blame yourself
For things that are not your fault
I hope you're always playing your tape
And I hope you'll visit me when I'm old
I hope you are true to yourself
I hope that rejection doesn't stop you loving
I hope you never experience war
What are you come to teach me?
Well, would you want 'Philosophy'
Or 'The New Wayne Rooney'?
Will it be poetry that lights your eyes?
Mine are shining and my tears flow free
Oh my son, what have I done?
Brought perfection to this world
Of confusion heedlessly
Now you're the one feeding me
Because I never knew love like this
Endlessly reaching back through eternity
That I can clearly see in your face
When you smile at me and grab my finger
I hope you outlive your parents
I hope you never bury your children
I hope you outlive your parents
I hope you never bury your children
I don't mind whether you're a boy or a girl
I just want you to be healthy
I hope we enjoy every minute of you growing up
I hope you lead your world to victory
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