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.
She's yelling on the phone, she's yelling on the phone again.
And she's banging on the door; she's losing all control again.
What's she doing in the tub?
She's shooting up the junk again.
And all the water in the stream couldn't ever wash her clean, in my head.
And I'm leaving
Demon with the needles leaning over your shoulder.
It's over.
I pictured this differently.
I cast us in perfect light.
I'd trade an eternity, for what's been taken away.
(Feels like) the future for you and me, (our lives)fades in the failing light,
(This time) you drowned us in misery, (that's why) you forced me to say
Goodbye, my love, so long, you've thrown us away.
It's been going on for months, said she'd only done it once with friends.
I couldn't keep her clean at all, every dealer that she called was a friend.
Believe it.
Demon with the needles leaning over your shoulder.
It's over.
I pictured this differently.
I cast us in perfect light.
I'd trade an eternity, for what's been taken away.
(Feels like) the future for you and me, (our lives) fades in the failing light,
(This time) you drowned us in misery, (that's why) you forced me to say
Goodbye, my love, so long, you've thrown us away.
Goodbye, my love, so long, you've thrown us away.
I remember how it worked, back when we were both in love again, made-up memories.
They were few and far between, no it wasn't meant to be from then.
Been stuck inside a dream, woke up and I could breathe the air.
Been down this road before I'll make it on my own I swear.
(Feels like) I pictured this differently, (our lives) I cast us in perfect light,
(This time) I'd trade an eternity, (that's why) you fucking forced me to say
Goodbye, (I'm saving her), my love, (I wave to her)
(So long), you've thrown us away
Goodbye, (I'm saving her), my love, (I wave to her)
(So long), you've thrown us away
And she's banging on the door; she's losing all control again.
What's she doing in the tub?
She's shooting up the junk again.
And all the water in the stream couldn't ever wash her clean, in my head.
And I'm leaving
Demon with the needles leaning over your shoulder.
It's over.
I pictured this differently.
I cast us in perfect light.
I'd trade an eternity, for what's been taken away.
(Feels like) the future for you and me, (our lives)fades in the failing light,
(This time) you drowned us in misery, (that's why) you forced me to say
Goodbye, my love, so long, you've thrown us away.
It's been going on for months, said she'd only done it once with friends.
I couldn't keep her clean at all, every dealer that she called was a friend.
Believe it.
Demon with the needles leaning over your shoulder.
It's over.
I pictured this differently.
I cast us in perfect light.
I'd trade an eternity, for what's been taken away.
(Feels like) the future for you and me, (our lives) fades in the failing light,
(This time) you drowned us in misery, (that's why) you forced me to say
Goodbye, my love, so long, you've thrown us away.
Goodbye, my love, so long, you've thrown us away.
I remember how it worked, back when we were both in love again, made-up memories.
They were few and far between, no it wasn't meant to be from then.
Been stuck inside a dream, woke up and I could breathe the air.
Been down this road before I'll make it on my own I swear.
(Feels like) I pictured this differently, (our lives) I cast us in perfect light,
(This time) I'd trade an eternity, (that's why) you fucking forced me to say
Goodbye, (I'm saving her), my love, (I wave to her)
(So long), you've thrown us away
Goodbye, (I'm saving her), my love, (I wave to her)
(So long), you've thrown us away
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