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.
Actions have been justified
All is compromised
Looking for approval there
In someone else's eyes, oh
Dodging all you really are
Becomes your greatest task
Acting out your lonely part
You hide behind your mask
Never true to yourself
Knowing well this is not like you
Fooling yourself
You're just living a lie
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Victim of the circumstance
Prisoner of the shame
But it's the double standard life
That keeps you in the game
Taken by your own disguise
But when it's wearing thin
You'll do anything it takes
To impress your friends
Never true to yourself
Knowing well this is not like you
Fooling yourself
You're just living a lie
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Never true to yourself
Knowing well this is not like you
Fooling yourself
You're just living a lie
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
All is compromised
Looking for approval there
In someone else's eyes, oh
Dodging all you really are
Becomes your greatest task
Acting out your lonely part
You hide behind your mask
Never true to yourself
Knowing well this is not like you
Fooling yourself
You're just living a lie
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Victim of the circumstance
Prisoner of the shame
But it's the double standard life
That keeps you in the game
Taken by your own disguise
But when it's wearing thin
You'll do anything it takes
To impress your friends
Never true to yourself
Knowing well this is not like you
Fooling yourself
You're just living a lie
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Never true to yourself
Knowing well this is not like you
Fooling yourself
You're just living a lie
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Goin' goin'
Goin' through the motions
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Goin' Thru the Motions Lyrics as written by Smith Kirkpatrick
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Spirit Music Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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