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 to be the one that everybody loved
Where has that gotten me?
I tear myself to shreds to prove that I'm someone
That I could never be
Now these unsightly marks define me
So help me, please someone come quick
I think I am losing it
Forgive me, I inherited this
From a stranger I'll never miss
I'm sick.
My father taught me first hand how to be set free
Give up and runaway
I wish I could drain out his half of blood in me
But I'd still have his face
I curse reflections everyday
So help me, please someone come quick
I think I am losing it
Forgive me, I inherited this
From a stranger I'll never miss
I'm sick.
Here is my own family tradition
Following footsteps into addiction
So is there a way that I can find peace
While still numbing my pain
Is this my fate?
Cause your only son still cant seem to find his way
So help me, please someone come quick
I think I am losing it
Forgive me, I inherited this
From a stranger I'll never miss
I'm sick.
So father where the hell are you now?
I think that you would be proud
Your son who so unluckily
Fell right next to the tree
I hope you're proud of me,
I hope you're proud.
Where has that gotten me?
I tear myself to shreds to prove that I'm someone
That I could never be
Now these unsightly marks define me
So help me, please someone come quick
I think I am losing it
Forgive me, I inherited this
From a stranger I'll never miss
I'm sick.
My father taught me first hand how to be set free
Give up and runaway
I wish I could drain out his half of blood in me
But I'd still have his face
I curse reflections everyday
So help me, please someone come quick
I think I am losing it
Forgive me, I inherited this
From a stranger I'll never miss
I'm sick.
Here is my own family tradition
Following footsteps into addiction
So is there a way that I can find peace
While still numbing my pain
Is this my fate?
Cause your only son still cant seem to find his way
So help me, please someone come quick
I think I am losing it
Forgive me, I inherited this
From a stranger I'll never miss
I'm sick.
So father where the hell are you now?
I think that you would be proud
Your son who so unluckily
Fell right next to the tree
I hope you're proud of me,
I hope you're proud.
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