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.
Hey, lady, you, lady, cursing at your life
You're a discontented mother and a regimented wife
I've no doubt you dream about
The things you'll never do
But I wish someone ever talked to me
Like I wanna talk to you
I've been to Georgia and California
And anywhere I could run
I took the hand of a preacher man
And we made love in the sun
But I ran out of places and friendly faces
Because I had to be free
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me
Please, lady, please, lady, don't just walk away
'Cause I have this need to tell you
Why I'm all alone today
I can see so much of me
Still living in your eyes
Want to share a part of a weary heart
That has lived a million lives
Oh, I've been to Niece, and the isle of Greece
While I sipped champagne on a yacht
I moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo
And showed them what I've got
I've been undressed by Kings
And I've seen some things that a woman ain't supposed to see
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me
Sometimes I feel like crying for unborn children
That might have made me complete
I took the sweet life
And never knew I'd be bitter from the sweet
I've spent my life exploring the subtle whoring
That costs too much to be free
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me
You're a discontented mother and a regimented wife
I've no doubt you dream about
The things you'll never do
But I wish someone ever talked to me
Like I wanna talk to you
I've been to Georgia and California
And anywhere I could run
I took the hand of a preacher man
And we made love in the sun
But I ran out of places and friendly faces
Because I had to be free
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me
Please, lady, please, lady, don't just walk away
'Cause I have this need to tell you
Why I'm all alone today
I can see so much of me
Still living in your eyes
Want to share a part of a weary heart
That has lived a million lives
Oh, I've been to Niece, and the isle of Greece
While I sipped champagne on a yacht
I moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo
And showed them what I've got
I've been undressed by Kings
And I've seen some things that a woman ain't supposed to see
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me
Sometimes I feel like crying for unborn children
That might have made me complete
I took the sweet life
And never knew I'd be bitter from the sweet
I've spent my life exploring the subtle whoring
That costs too much to be free
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me
Lyrics submitted by pastachickennugget42
I've Been to Paradise, But I've Never Been to Me Lyrics as written by
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I had hardly any idea what lyrics were, had to do them to the best of my ability. Corrections are greatly appreciated.