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.
Trying to please
All these people around me
Is trying to reach for the moon
(The Moon)
I see their faces looking so empty saying
I hope that they'll finish soon
(So Soon)
Could be a chat show
(Yap Yap Yap)
Could be a go go
Reaction would be the same
(The Same)
So here I go
Though why I don't know
Trying to prove myself again
Entertain me
I'm as blank as can be
And I've seen it before
And I've done it before
And I think that I like it
But no I don't like it
It just goes on over and over
And over and over and over again
I try to give them all of my best
And it's taking a turn for the worst
(Oh No)
Things going wrong
Start to sing the wrong song
I think that we must be cursed
(You Betcha)
Playing the wrong tune
Hitting the wrong note
This is where my nerves become frayed
It's falling apart
Why did we ever start
And do you think we'll be paid
(No No)
Entertain me
I'm as blank as can be
And I've seen it before
And I've done it before
And I think that I like it
But no I don't like it
It just goes on over and over
And over and over and over again
Over and over again
Build 'em up, knock 'em down (x5)
I see a movement
Down in the front row
Maybe it's just a mistake
She's smiling at me
(Hello)
But he's frowning at me
(Goodbye)
Which conclusion
Do I make
Fold all your arms
And look straight ahead
At this puppet on a string
You're feeling confused
But you've made a decision
You don't like anything
Entertain me
I'm as blank as can be
And I've seen it before
And I've done it before
And I think that I like it
But no I don't like it
It just goes on over and over
And over and over and over again
Build 'em up, knock em down (x4)
Entertain me
I'm as blank as can be
And I've seen it before
And I've done it before
And I think that I like it
But no I don't like it
It just goes on over and over
And over and over and over again
All these people around me
Is trying to reach for the moon
(The Moon)
I see their faces looking so empty saying
I hope that they'll finish soon
(So Soon)
Could be a chat show
(Yap Yap Yap)
Could be a go go
Reaction would be the same
(The Same)
So here I go
Though why I don't know
Trying to prove myself again
Entertain me
I'm as blank as can be
And I've seen it before
And I've done it before
And I think that I like it
But no I don't like it
It just goes on over and over
And over and over and over again
I try to give them all of my best
And it's taking a turn for the worst
(Oh No)
Things going wrong
Start to sing the wrong song
I think that we must be cursed
(You Betcha)
Playing the wrong tune
Hitting the wrong note
This is where my nerves become frayed
It's falling apart
Why did we ever start
And do you think we'll be paid
(No No)
Entertain me
I'm as blank as can be
And I've seen it before
And I've done it before
And I think that I like it
But no I don't like it
It just goes on over and over
And over and over and over again
Over and over again
Build 'em up, knock 'em down (x5)
I see a movement
Down in the front row
Maybe it's just a mistake
She's smiling at me
(Hello)
But he's frowning at me
(Goodbye)
Which conclusion
Do I make
Fold all your arms
And look straight ahead
At this puppet on a string
You're feeling confused
But you've made a decision
You don't like anything
Entertain me
I'm as blank as can be
And I've seen it before
And I've done it before
And I think that I like it
But no I don't like it
It just goes on over and over
And over and over and over again
Build 'em up, knock em down (x4)
Entertain me
I'm as blank as can be
And I've seen it before
And I've done it before
And I think that I like it
But no I don't like it
It just goes on over and over
And over and over and over again
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