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.
You used to call me
Just to say I love you baby
You would always treat me like a lady
Everyone was jealous of the way
We kept keeping on feelings were so strong
Always knew that I would occupy your mind
You could always find a little more time
To show me I was number one
Sitting there on my throne
Lately where's the feeling gone
[Chorus]
When it was good
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No I never wanted nobody else
When it was right not like tonight
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No we didn't have a cent to our name
When it was good
We were happy in the pouring rain
I wish it would would be that good
When we were sitting on top of the world
That picture of everything I ever dreamed
Now the picture's crashing down around on me
Calls are coming in and we're looking at our friends
Wondering who's it gonna be
It was so good once upon a time
It was a simple time, it was a good time
Now we got the perks and all the crème
And it's tearing us apart at the seams
But I remember
[Chorus]
When it was good
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No I never wanted nobody else
When it was right not like tonight
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No we didn't have a cent to our name
When it was good
We were happy in the pouring rain
I wish it would would be that good
When we were sitting on top of the world
Once upon a time it was real.
Once upon a time I was thrilled, to get yo call
Then I could get yo all
Then I could get your heart
Now ain't the same. Seem like now it's a game
Once was reckless but now it's tame
Once was real love and now it's fake
Who would've known this path we'd take
[Chorus]
When it was good
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No I never wanted nobody else
When it was right not like tonight
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No we didn't have a cent to our name
When it was good
We were happy in the pouring rain
I wish it would would be that good
When we were sitting on top of the world
Just to say I love you baby
You would always treat me like a lady
Everyone was jealous of the way
We kept keeping on feelings were so strong
Always knew that I would occupy your mind
You could always find a little more time
To show me I was number one
Sitting there on my throne
Lately where's the feeling gone
[Chorus]
When it was good
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No I never wanted nobody else
When it was right not like tonight
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No we didn't have a cent to our name
When it was good
We were happy in the pouring rain
I wish it would would be that good
When we were sitting on top of the world
That picture of everything I ever dreamed
Now the picture's crashing down around on me
Calls are coming in and we're looking at our friends
Wondering who's it gonna be
It was so good once upon a time
It was a simple time, it was a good time
Now we got the perks and all the crème
And it's tearing us apart at the seams
But I remember
[Chorus]
When it was good
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No I never wanted nobody else
When it was right not like tonight
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No we didn't have a cent to our name
When it was good
We were happy in the pouring rain
I wish it would would be that good
When we were sitting on top of the world
Once upon a time it was real.
Once upon a time I was thrilled, to get yo call
Then I could get yo all
Then I could get your heart
Now ain't the same. Seem like now it's a game
Once was reckless but now it's tame
Once was real love and now it's fake
Who would've known this path we'd take
[Chorus]
When it was good
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No I never wanted nobody else
When it was right not like tonight
We were sitting on top of the world
When it was good
No we didn't have a cent to our name
When it was good
We were happy in the pouring rain
I wish it would would be that good
When we were sitting on top of the world
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