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 tried my best to figure out what he's saying)
this is a tune for maryanne
died at birth in her grandfathers hands
if she were here now she would then understand
the notes we are playing,
the words we are saying
to her it would be just
la-da-da-la-da-dum (goes on to sing something like that)
there isn't a crossword that i can sing
because i've been blessed with a part in the play
but even if i don't make the curtain call
i was in the cast, and i signed the wall
i'll be the witch this time and then
next time it'll be you
you must believe that
after all maryanne
i would grow old and tall in this life,
but next time you'll be richer, you'll be taller
la-da-da-la-da-dum
this is a tune for maryanne
died at birth in her grandfathers hands
if she were here now she would then understand
the notes we are playing,
the words we are saying
to her it would be just
la-da-da-la-da-dum (goes on to sing something like that)
there isn't a crossword that i can sing
because i've been blessed with a part in the play
but even if i don't make the curtain call
i was in the cast, and i signed the wall
i'll be the witch this time and then
next time it'll be you
you must believe that
after all maryanne
i would grow old and tall in this life,
but next time you'll be richer, you'll be taller
la-da-da-la-da-dum
Lyrics submitted by justheather
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Great version of a great song,
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Brilliant song! The way the notes dance with the lyrics give it a very chilling, introspective tone. Some minor changes to the lyrics:
"If she were here now she wouldn't understand" - she's an infant and cannot comprehend the notes/lyrics
"I'll be the rich one this time / And next time it'll be you" - implying he's going to make money from his performances...
"and next time you'll be richer, you'll be taller" - just a minor change
One more minor correction on the lyrics: I think it should "There isn't a cross word that I can say," meaning basically, "there's nothing I can complain about, having gotten a chance to participate in the world" (unlike Mary Anne, who, as the song tells us, died at birth).
On the lyrics "I'll be the rich one" and "you'll be richer": I don't think they're about making or having money, but rather about having a different kind of wealth, namely the chance to have experiences. This time around, the singer got to participate in the richness of life. MaryAnne, who was deprived of that opportunity this time around, will get it in another life.