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 say you're searching for yourself
well maybe there's no one to find.
You say you're so young and free
so how'd you get stuck in that grind?
You think you're unique, clever too
but there's millions of people who think just like you.
What makes you special,
what makes you one of a kind?
Hungry for fame, thirsty for fortune
got an anxious heart.
You create your false tragedies
and attempt to sell them as art.
Well, I just can't be fooled by you.
I've seen it before, no it ain't nothing new
so tell me what makes you different,
what is it that sets you apart?
This is a wakeup call if you want it
You could sleep right through if you please
You post your pictures on the wall
for everybody to see
and even if you didn't have a good night
that's what you want them all to believe.
You thrive on others' attention and time
say you're going places, yeah you're gonna shine.
Let me repeat the question,
what makes you one of a kind?
well maybe there's no one to find.
You say you're so young and free
so how'd you get stuck in that grind?
You think you're unique, clever too
but there's millions of people who think just like you.
What makes you special,
what makes you one of a kind?
Hungry for fame, thirsty for fortune
got an anxious heart.
You create your false tragedies
and attempt to sell them as art.
Well, I just can't be fooled by you.
I've seen it before, no it ain't nothing new
so tell me what makes you different,
what is it that sets you apart?
This is a wakeup call if you want it
You could sleep right through if you please
You post your pictures on the wall
for everybody to see
and even if you didn't have a good night
that's what you want them all to believe.
You thrive on others' attention and time
say you're going places, yeah you're gonna shine.
Let me repeat the question,
what makes you one of a kind?
Lyrics submitted by firebirdmgt
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