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.
Clair
The moment I met you, I swear
I felt as if something, somewhere
Had happened to me,
Which I couldn't see
And then
The moment I met you, again
I knew in my heart that we were friends
It had to be so
It couldn't be no
But try
As hard as I might do, I don't know why
You get to me in a way I can't describe
Words mean so little when you look up and smile
I don't care what people say
To me you're more than a child
Oh Clair
Clair
Clair
If ever a moment so rare
Was captured for all to compare
That moment is you
In all that you do
But why
In spite of our age difference do I cry?
Each time I leave you I feel I could die
Nothing means more to me than hearing you say
"I'm going to marry you
Will you marry me, Uncle Ray?"
Oh Clair
Clair
Clair
I've told you before "Don't you dare!"
"Get back into bed"
"Can't you see that it's late"
"No you can't have a drink"
"Oh alright then, but wait just a minute"
While I, in an effort to babysit
Catch of my breath, what there is left of it
You can be murder at this hour of the day
But in the morning the sun
Will see my lifetime away
Oh Clair
Clair
Oh Clair
The moment I met you, I swear
I felt as if something, somewhere
Had happened to me,
Which I couldn't see
And then
The moment I met you, again
I knew in my heart that we were friends
It had to be so
It couldn't be no
But try
As hard as I might do, I don't know why
You get to me in a way I can't describe
Words mean so little when you look up and smile
I don't care what people say
To me you're more than a child
Oh Clair
Clair
Clair
If ever a moment so rare
Was captured for all to compare
That moment is you
In all that you do
But why
In spite of our age difference do I cry?
Each time I leave you I feel I could die
Nothing means more to me than hearing you say
"I'm going to marry you
Will you marry me, Uncle Ray?"
Oh Clair
Clair
Clair
I've told you before "Don't you dare!"
"Get back into bed"
"Can't you see that it's late"
"No you can't have a drink"
"Oh alright then, but wait just a minute"
While I, in an effort to babysit
Catch of my breath, what there is left of it
You can be murder at this hour of the day
But in the morning the sun
Will see my lifetime away
Oh Clair
Clair
Oh Clair
Lyrics submitted by joliejoy, edited by SWLinPHX, TheOldHacker, Wordmaster
Clair Lyrics as written by Gilbert O'sullivan
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Sadly today what was written in innocence can be misinterpreted. I am sure this is the case with Gilbert O as someone has already said he is still friends with Clair the girl he used to babysit.