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.
Well it's a waste of time
Cause you and I will never rhyme
But who can blame us if we try
And I can't stay mad reading your letters
Your hand-writing's so bad
But your love is so good
How do I know, how do I know
You really care?
How do I know, how do I know
You're really there?
How do I know
When to stay and when to go?
When I feel so...
Cause I'm a Scarborough girl
Wearing my high-heels and my $5 pearls
In an imitation world
And I can't have him
Cause he's down in L.A. and that's too far to swim
So you'll just have to stand in
How do I know, how do I know
You really care?
How do I know, how do I know
You're really there?
How do I know
When to stay and when to go?
When I feel so...
I guess we're all just the same
Guarding the fire from the rain
By holding our hands in the flame
How do I know, how do I know
You really care?
How do I know, how do I know
You're really there?
How do I know
When to stay and when to go?
When I feel so... (x2)
(I guess we're all just the same)
Cause you and I will never rhyme
But who can blame us if we try
And I can't stay mad reading your letters
Your hand-writing's so bad
But your love is so good
How do I know, how do I know
You really care?
How do I know, how do I know
You're really there?
How do I know
When to stay and when to go?
When I feel so...
Cause I'm a Scarborough girl
Wearing my high-heels and my $5 pearls
In an imitation world
And I can't have him
Cause he's down in L.A. and that's too far to swim
So you'll just have to stand in
How do I know, how do I know
You really care?
How do I know, how do I know
You're really there?
How do I know
When to stay and when to go?
When I feel so...
I guess we're all just the same
Guarding the fire from the rain
By holding our hands in the flame
How do I know, how do I know
You really care?
How do I know, how do I know
You're really there?
How do I know
When to stay and when to go?
When I feel so... (x2)
(I guess we're all just the same)
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I first heard this song at the Mariposa Folk Festival back in 2005 and I fell in love with it. I was so excited when they finally put it on an album.
I think the song is fairly straightforward about uncertainty and insecurity in what might be a long distance relationship.
I really love the line "guarding the fire from the rain by holding our hands in the flames." That line alone and the way they sing it keeps me playing the song over and over.