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.
Oh, one, one, two, three, four
Oh, I've got a sheet for my bed and a pillow for my head
I've got a pencil full of lead and some water for my throat
I've got buttons for my coat and sails on my boat
So much more than I needed before
I got money in the meter and a two bar heater
Oh, now it's getting hotter, oh, it's only getting sweeter
I got legs on my chairs and a head full of hair
Pot and a pan and some shoes on my feet
I got a shelf full of books and most of my teeth
A few pairs of socks and a door with a lock
I got food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's gonna bring me down
Oh, no, oh
Oh nothin', oh nothin', nothin's gonna bring me down
I got a nice guitar and tires on my car
I got most of the means and scripts for the scenes
I'm out and about so I'm in with a shout
I got a fair bit of chat but better than that
Food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's going to bring me down (how 'bout a brew and that hug, man?)
Nothin', oh, nothin'
Nothing's going to bring me down, oh
But best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
Oh, best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh, no
Oh, best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
Oh, best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, not today, no, no
Oh, I've got a sheet for my bed and a pillow for my head
I've got a pencil full of lead and some water for my throat
I've got buttons for my coat and sails on my boat
So much more than I needed before
I got money in the meter and a two bar heater
Oh, now it's getting hotter, oh, it's only getting sweeter
I got legs on my chairs and a head full of hair
Pot and a pan and some shoes on my feet
I got a shelf full of books and most of my teeth
A few pairs of socks and a door with a lock
I got food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's gonna bring me down
Oh, no, oh
Oh nothin', oh nothin', nothin's gonna bring me down
I got a nice guitar and tires on my car
I got most of the means and scripts for the scenes
I'm out and about so I'm in with a shout
I got a fair bit of chat but better than that
Food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's going to bring me down (how 'bout a brew and that hug, man?)
Nothin', oh, nothin'
Nothing's going to bring me down, oh
But best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
Oh, best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh, no
Oh, best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
Oh, best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, not today, no, no
Lyrics submitted by cocaine*cowgirl
Pencil Full Of Lead Lyrics as written by Paolo Giovanni Nutini
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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i love this song. it's probably my favourite in the album. it makes you feel good. i think to be honest it's pretty self explanitory. he is having one of these days where everything just feels good. he has everything he needs and he's pretty happy about it. like that feeling when you're with someone and nothing seems to make life terrible because they're around. oh and i love the trumpet at the begining. it reminds me a bit of the jungle book for some reason. =D
It reminds me of the Jungle Book too! The King Louie bit :)
Haha, yeah, me 3!