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 are not alone tonight
Imagine me there by your side
It's so hard to be here so far away, from you
I'm counting the days 'till
I'm finally done
I'm counting them down, yeah, one by one
It feels like forever 'till I return to you
But it helps me on those lonely nights
It's that one thing that keeps me alive
Knowing that you wait for me
Ever so patiently
No one else knows the feeling inside
We hang up the phone without saying goodnight
Because it's the sound of your voice that brings me home
It's never been easy to say
But it's easier when I've gone away
Knowing that you wait for me
Ever so patiently
Yeah, you're everything I've ever dreamed of having and
It's everything I need from you just knowing that you wait for me
What I'd give
What I'd do
Knowing I'm not there for you
Makes it so hard to leave
What I'd give
What I'd do
Anything to get me home to you
And this time I'll stay
And you wait for me
Ever so patiently
Yeah, you're everything I've ever dreamed of having and
It's everything I need from you just knowing that you wait for me
Imagine me there by your side
It's so hard to be here so far away, from you
I'm counting the days 'till
I'm finally done
I'm counting them down, yeah, one by one
It feels like forever 'till I return to you
But it helps me on those lonely nights
It's that one thing that keeps me alive
Knowing that you wait for me
Ever so patiently
No one else knows the feeling inside
We hang up the phone without saying goodnight
Because it's the sound of your voice that brings me home
It's never been easy to say
But it's easier when I've gone away
Knowing that you wait for me
Ever so patiently
Yeah, you're everything I've ever dreamed of having and
It's everything I need from you just knowing that you wait for me
What I'd give
What I'd do
Knowing I'm not there for you
Makes it so hard to leave
What I'd give
What I'd do
Anything to get me home to you
And this time I'll stay
And you wait for me
Ever so patiently
Yeah, you're everything I've ever dreamed of having and
It's everything I need from you just knowing that you wait for me
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I've fallen in love with this song to the point where I listen to it about 20 times a day.
My first thought was that it's about a soldier who has someone waiting for him back home. I don't really know anyone who's fighting, but my only brother is joining the military next year and whenever I hear this song I think of him.
I think it could also be about a long distance relationship or simply missing someone. I live in Australia and my whole family lives in the USA. I constantly think of them, it's been 5 1/2 years since I've seen any of them and when I sing this song I think of how they're waiting for me and my mom to come home to them....
It's simply beautiful and it can mean so many things! Thank you Tyler Conelley!