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.
They told me not to smoke drugs, but I wouldn't listen
Never thought id get caught and wind up in prison
Chalk it up to youth but young age I ain't dissin'
I guess I just had to get it out of my system
Outta my system, outta my system
Oh lord I'd never do it now
I know what I ain't missin'
Glad I went and got it all out of my system
The lust of youth versus marriage and security
Im glad im here now, but just between you and me
I had to get out and make the deals
And learn to know how it feels but that it ain't real
Outta my system, outta my system
There's a way to have it all you know I ain't kidding
Some things I know I'll never get out of my system
If you don't live now, you ain't even tryin'
And then you're on your way to a mid-life crisis
Live it out, any way you feel
You can feel it in your bones, but try to deny it
Wipe it off your face but your eyes won't hide it
You knew it all along, but never made it clear
They told me not to steal cars, but I wouldn't listen
Never thought I'd get caught and wind up in prison
Chalk it up to young age- but youth I ain't dissin'
I guess I just had to get it out of my system
Outta my system, outta my system
Oh lord I'd never do it now
I know what I ain't missin'
Glad I went and got it all out of my system
Never thought id get caught and wind up in prison
Chalk it up to youth but young age I ain't dissin'
I guess I just had to get it out of my system
Outta my system, outta my system
Oh lord I'd never do it now
I know what I ain't missin'
Glad I went and got it all out of my system
The lust of youth versus marriage and security
Im glad im here now, but just between you and me
I had to get out and make the deals
And learn to know how it feels but that it ain't real
Outta my system, outta my system
There's a way to have it all you know I ain't kidding
Some things I know I'll never get out of my system
If you don't live now, you ain't even tryin'
And then you're on your way to a mid-life crisis
Live it out, any way you feel
You can feel it in your bones, but try to deny it
Wipe it off your face but your eyes won't hide it
You knew it all along, but never made it clear
They told me not to steal cars, but I wouldn't listen
Never thought I'd get caught and wind up in prison
Chalk it up to young age- but youth I ain't dissin'
I guess I just had to get it out of my system
Outta my system, outta my system
Oh lord I'd never do it now
I know what I ain't missin'
Glad I went and got it all out of my system
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
This one is pretty self explanatory but I love it! Very catchy tune that jams out nicely live.