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.
This car is a war machine that runs on nicotine and gasoline
D-d-d-don't you fucking know this is the wrong side of the road?
Who needs brakes when it's all down-hill from here?
And if we ain't died yet then maybe we never will
But I don't wanna burn out, so won't you please set me on fire again?
I woke up afraid of losing everything; thank god that I already have
So if you love me then listen: mind your own fucking business!
If you love me enough to stay, then please love me enough to stay... enough to stay away
I swear on my last cigarette that I'd love you my d-d-darling
I'd love you if I could, but since the day I was born
It's been too late for me to be anything but what I am tonight
And what I am is drunk and what I am is mean in your passenger seat
Seat belts are for people who have time to die; hell, I don't even have time to sleep
Because I don't wanna miss a moment of loathing everything that I see
I stay up nights afraid of everything, 'til all that's left is the shadows and me
Ask me from sunrise to sunset: no, I ain't left the house yet
I finally love you enough to stay... enough to stay away
Aw shit, I wish I had a job to quit
I wish I had a boss that I could tell to fuck off
Give me the satisfaction of a dramatic exit
And not just a long car ride and a short goodbye in a parking lot
(Ohohoh)
D-d-d-don't you fucking know this is the wrong side of the road?
Who needs brakes when it's all down-hill from here?
And if we ain't died yet then maybe we never will
But I don't wanna burn out, so won't you please set me on fire again?
I woke up afraid of losing everything; thank god that I already have
So if you love me then listen: mind your own fucking business!
If you love me enough to stay, then please love me enough to stay... enough to stay away
I swear on my last cigarette that I'd love you my d-d-darling
I'd love you if I could, but since the day I was born
It's been too late for me to be anything but what I am tonight
And what I am is drunk and what I am is mean in your passenger seat
Seat belts are for people who have time to die; hell, I don't even have time to sleep
Because I don't wanna miss a moment of loathing everything that I see
I stay up nights afraid of everything, 'til all that's left is the shadows and me
Ask me from sunrise to sunset: no, I ain't left the house yet
I finally love you enough to stay... enough to stay away
Aw shit, I wish I had a job to quit
I wish I had a boss that I could tell to fuck off
Give me the satisfaction of a dramatic exit
And not just a long car ride and a short goodbye in a parking lot
(Ohohoh)
Lyrics submitted by concreteblues
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