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.
Child keeps its toys hidden away
Till it wants to break them
Take your share and go away
Make sure you get the last word
Sit back out of harm's reach
Watch the little cup of poison
Chasing its own tail around and around
Until it's exhausted at its wits end
United Kingdom
I try my best I wait for you to nail me
Now I try and never do
Anything they tell me
'Cause waiting about an inch
Under human nature
Tragedies and comedies
And a touching sense of failure
United Kingdom
When you held me in your arms
At the limits of your patience
I knew I'd always lose
Every scene of violence
When you held me in your arms
Why didn't you want me
When you held me in your arms
Why didn't you touch me
Well I used to know how
To slip through your blind spot
And now I just watch myself
Set the alarms off
I'm happier now in my shame
And don't look to you for anything
United Kingdom
Till it wants to break them
Take your share and go away
Make sure you get the last word
Sit back out of harm's reach
Watch the little cup of poison
Chasing its own tail around and around
Until it's exhausted at its wits end
United Kingdom
I try my best I wait for you to nail me
Now I try and never do
Anything they tell me
'Cause waiting about an inch
Under human nature
Tragedies and comedies
And a touching sense of failure
United Kingdom
When you held me in your arms
At the limits of your patience
I knew I'd always lose
Every scene of violence
When you held me in your arms
Why didn't you want me
When you held me in your arms
Why didn't you touch me
Well I used to know how
To slip through your blind spot
And now I just watch myself
Set the alarms off
I'm happier now in my shame
And don't look to you for anything
United Kingdom
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