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.
I was born in a big gray cloud
Screaming out a love song
All the broken chords and unnamed cries
What a place to come from
I wish to remain nameless
And live without shame
'Cause what's in a name, Oh
I still remain the same
You can call it what you want
You can call me anything you want
You can call us what you want
You can call me anything you want
Everybody lets you down
In this brief hole of a town
What a difference of the rushing out
Tell me what you're running from
I know everybody lets you down
I'll do the same
But know I'll always be around
This can remain the same
Call me when you need me
Call me anything you want
Darling, believe me
Nothing I haven't done before
Call me when you need me, call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Darling, believe me, darling, believe me
Darling, believe me, darling believe me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Darling, believe me, darling believe me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Screaming out a love song
All the broken chords and unnamed cries
What a place to come from
I wish to remain nameless
And live without shame
'Cause what's in a name, Oh
I still remain the same
You can call it what you want
You can call me anything you want
You can call us what you want
You can call me anything you want
Everybody lets you down
In this brief hole of a town
What a difference of the rushing out
Tell me what you're running from
I know everybody lets you down
I'll do the same
But know I'll always be around
This can remain the same
Call me when you need me
Call me anything you want
Darling, believe me
Nothing I haven't done before
Call me when you need me, call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Darling, believe me, darling, believe me
Darling, believe me, darling believe me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Darling, believe me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Darling, believe me, darling believe me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
Call me when you need me
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I don't know if anyone understand my interpretation, but i would like to share it. To me this song means (my) coming out.
I was born in a big grey cloud Screaming out a love song All the broken chords and unnamed cries What a place to come from
I wish to remain nameless And live without shame 'Cause what's in a name, oh I still remain the same
This refers to the point where i'am now. I just want to be me. And not me, the bisexual. Cause what's in a name, I still remain the same (What's the point whether i would be straight or gay, it's still the same person)
The rest of the song are people who are supportive, where you can count on.
this interpretation is amazing.. i completely hear it.. made me love the song even more <3
It's so weird, the first time I heard this song I loved it because I could relate to it. <br /> I could see why people liked songs like "Shake it out" more and "bedroom hymns" but this one stood out the most to me on the album. I also saw it as being about my sexuality except in this case the first verse was me entering a world of confusion, where I was told to be a certain way. "Everybody let's you down..." this reflected the way I tried to drop many hints to my mother and thought she understood but suddenly she started with little homophobic comments etc and trying to push God on me. "I wish to remain nameless and live without shame...I still remain the same." my favourite line. People have been trying to get me to declare my sexuality and it's been worse being around "out" lesbians because I felt guilty but I feel like I dont have to label myself because I'll always be me.<br /> "You can call me what you want." Being gay means that you're going to be called many derogatory names or labelled, you just have to let it wash over you sometimes.<br /> "call me when you need me." If I met another person who was struggling with their sexuality I'd feel it was my duty to help them - "Everybody let's you down, I'll do the same." - even though I'd try to help them, I probably wouldn't be able to do enough.<br /> <br /> I was afraid to post this because I thought I was the only who saw that this could also be interpreted as someones struggle with their sexulaity, so your comment made me happy. I'm glad you have people who support you :]
Nice to hear that my interpretation gives you a little support. :)<br /> Be honest to yourself, give it some time and never, ever give up on who you are!<br /> I'm extremely confused the last weeks because i just can't seem to figure out who I am. A lot of 'friends' are acting awkward when i try to start a conversation about this subject, but luckily there's one friend of mine where i can always speak up my mind.<br /> Good luck with your feelings and family. :)<br />
@analyst I'm gay and I relate to the song and agree with your thoughts. One of my favourite FATM songs.