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.
The businessmen are drinking my blood
Like the kids in art school said they would
And I guess I'll just begin again
You say, "can we still be friends?"
If I was scared
I would
And if I was bored
You know I would
And if I was yours
But I'm not
All the kids have always known
That the emperor wears no clothes
But they bow to down to him anyway
'Cause it's better than being alone
If I was scared
I would
And if I was bored
You know I would
And if I was yours
But I'm not
Now you're knocking at my door
Saying, "please come out with us tonight"
But I would rather be alone
Than pretend that I feel alright
If the businessmen are drinking my blood
Like the kids in art school said they would
Then I guess I'll just begin again
You say, "can we still be friends"
If I was scared
I would
And if I was pure
You know I would
And if I was yours
But I'm not
Now, I'm ready to start
If I was scared
I would
And if I was pure
You know I would
And if I was yours
But I'm not
Now, I'm ready to start
Now, I'm ready to start
I would rather be wrong
Than live in the shadows of your song
My mind is open wide
And now I'm ready to start
Now I'm ready to start
My mind is open wide
And now I'm ready to start
You're not sure you'll open the door
To step out into the dark
Now I'm ready
Like the kids in art school said they would
And I guess I'll just begin again
You say, "can we still be friends?"
If I was scared
I would
And if I was bored
You know I would
And if I was yours
But I'm not
All the kids have always known
That the emperor wears no clothes
But they bow to down to him anyway
'Cause it's better than being alone
If I was scared
I would
And if I was bored
You know I would
And if I was yours
But I'm not
Now you're knocking at my door
Saying, "please come out with us tonight"
But I would rather be alone
Than pretend that I feel alright
If the businessmen are drinking my blood
Like the kids in art school said they would
Then I guess I'll just begin again
You say, "can we still be friends"
If I was scared
I would
And if I was pure
You know I would
And if I was yours
But I'm not
Now, I'm ready to start
If I was scared
I would
And if I was pure
You know I would
And if I was yours
But I'm not
Now, I'm ready to start
Now, I'm ready to start
I would rather be wrong
Than live in the shadows of your song
My mind is open wide
And now I'm ready to start
Now I'm ready to start
My mind is open wide
And now I'm ready to start
You're not sure you'll open the door
To step out into the dark
Now I'm ready
Lyrics submitted by MaxpowerSupreme, edited by mattisyourhero, kiwilyrics, Coach
Ready to Start Lyrics as written by Regine Chassagne Jeremy Gara
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Great version of a great song,
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I think the song is about being someone you're not vs. being the real you. He talks about the things people do out of fear of being alone or rejected. He uses scenarios that relate to being someone you're not and how he would rather be the person he is sometimes.
"But to bow down to him anyway, is better than to be alone"-- he's referring to people and what they do to fit in.
"But I would rather be alone, than pretend I feel alright"-- pretty self explanatory, but he's saying he'd rather be alone than pretend he's someone he's not.
the song could have a different meaning for everyone. the use of different scenarios could be revealing different meanings of the song. such as a ended relationship.
People find themselves in all kinds of wrong relationships (profession, love, friends) they can't get out of because of fear, habit, boredom, commitment... It's very hard and thus very brave to say NO to all that in order to start again and stay true to your own beliefs. If only everyone could do that...