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.
God, help me get away
Break the chains and set me free
From the other side of me
I am my own worst enemy
I caught a glimpse in my rearview mirror
Of an old familiar face
Blurry image coming in clearer
Of a past I can't erase
I could've sworn I put him in the ground
But looks like he's found his way out
God, help me get away
Break the chains and set me free
From the other side of me
I can't fight this fight alone
I'll never make it on my own
Lord Jesus, rescue me
From my own worst enemy
I'll take a step and it's right behind me
Always fighting for control
There's a war that's raging inside me
I feel the battle for my soul
It's like my shadow is dragging me around
And You are my only way out
God, help me get away
Break the chains and set me free
From the other side of me
I can't fight this fight alone
I'll never make it on my own
Lord Jesus, rescue me
From my own worst enemy
Lord, help me feed the life I'm trying to live
And starve the life I'm trying to leave
Help me believe the old is dead and gone
And I am a new creation
God, help me get away
Break the chains and set me free
From the other side of me
I can't fight this fight alone
I'll never make it on my own
Lord Jesus, rescue me
From my own worst enemy
From my own worst enemy
Break the chains and set me free
From the other side of me
I am my own worst enemy
I caught a glimpse in my rearview mirror
Of an old familiar face
Blurry image coming in clearer
Of a past I can't erase
I could've sworn I put him in the ground
But looks like he's found his way out
God, help me get away
Break the chains and set me free
From the other side of me
I can't fight this fight alone
I'll never make it on my own
Lord Jesus, rescue me
From my own worst enemy
I'll take a step and it's right behind me
Always fighting for control
There's a war that's raging inside me
I feel the battle for my soul
It's like my shadow is dragging me around
And You are my only way out
God, help me get away
Break the chains and set me free
From the other side of me
I can't fight this fight alone
I'll never make it on my own
Lord Jesus, rescue me
From my own worst enemy
Lord, help me feed the life I'm trying to live
And starve the life I'm trying to leave
Help me believe the old is dead and gone
And I am a new creation
God, help me get away
Break the chains and set me free
From the other side of me
I can't fight this fight alone
I'll never make it on my own
Lord Jesus, rescue me
From my own worst enemy
From my own worst enemy
Lyrics submitted by christlovesall
My Own Worst Enemy Lyrics as written by Matthew West John Mark Hall
Lyrics © ESSENTIAL MUSIC PUBLISHING, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.