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.
It was late one night in Southern Texas
My dad was playin' in a rock and roll band
He took me along to a place called Cheetum Street
My bags were packed, I was ready to meet you for the first time
Oh, but a phone call woulda been nice
I guess you're stuck with what was given to you
And the world couldn't change my spirit
This will remain the same
You were young and livin' like you wanted to
I understand because I packed up and left just like you
At 17 you think you got the whole world in your hands
Ooh, in so many ways you did
I don't want to have you worry no more
Let's forgive and forget and finish what we started
So we can move on
I want you to know I really needed you then
And I can use you now
I talked to you by listening to all of those stupid songs
I would sit along side of the fence
Now you're doing fine and you're giggin' here and there
It's been nice to know you for the past few years
When you're living the same dream it's easy to read each other for sure
I wish it coulda turned out so different
I guess you're stuck with what was given to you
And the world couldn't change my spirit
This will remain forever
I don't want to have you worry no more
Let's forgive and forget and finish what we started
So we can move on
My dad was playin' in a rock and roll band
He took me along to a place called Cheetum Street
My bags were packed, I was ready to meet you for the first time
Oh, but a phone call woulda been nice
I guess you're stuck with what was given to you
And the world couldn't change my spirit
This will remain the same
You were young and livin' like you wanted to
I understand because I packed up and left just like you
At 17 you think you got the whole world in your hands
Ooh, in so many ways you did
I don't want to have you worry no more
Let's forgive and forget and finish what we started
So we can move on
I want you to know I really needed you then
And I can use you now
I talked to you by listening to all of those stupid songs
I would sit along side of the fence
Now you're doing fine and you're giggin' here and there
It's been nice to know you for the past few years
When you're living the same dream it's easy to read each other for sure
I wish it coulda turned out so different
I guess you're stuck with what was given to you
And the world couldn't change my spirit
This will remain forever
I don't want to have you worry no more
Let's forgive and forget and finish what we started
So we can move on
Lyrics submitted by CoyoteLongshot
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