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.
Boy, I know your secrets, though you
Brag and swagger,
And you lay women down.
You're the same tough guy
That cried in my arms,
And kissed me when the lights went down.
I hear you married some
Danish girl.
I'm so glad that it wasn't me,
'Cause you're like so many of those
Boys I've known;
You break your promise easily.
Unfinished business.
Fox in the headlights.
Tears for what might have been.
Unfinished business.
Crawling out of the woodwork.
You know how to ruin
A good dream.
See your life reflected in my
Painted eyes.
These memories are hard to shake.
I pressed my lips against your
Trembling flesh,
And waited for your back to break.
You liar, you coward, you
Sleeping fool.
Hey, don't you know that secrets kill?
Heaven and hell are right
Here on Earth;
Decided by your own free will.
Unfinished business.
Fox in the headlights.
Tears for what might have been.
Unfinished business.
Crawling out of the woodwork.
I know how to ruin a good dream.
Now go tell your friends that I'm
Mad in my head.
That I don't know what I mean.
You walk like Jack and you
Love like Mary.
And you're more than a bit of a queen.
Unfinished business.
You know exactly what I mean.
You lie, you lie, you lie.
You lie, you lie, you lie.
Unfinished business, yeah, tough guy.
You know exactly what I mean.
Brag and swagger,
And you lay women down.
You're the same tough guy
That cried in my arms,
And kissed me when the lights went down.
I hear you married some
Danish girl.
I'm so glad that it wasn't me,
'Cause you're like so many of those
Boys I've known;
You break your promise easily.
Unfinished business.
Fox in the headlights.
Tears for what might have been.
Unfinished business.
Crawling out of the woodwork.
You know how to ruin
A good dream.
See your life reflected in my
Painted eyes.
These memories are hard to shake.
I pressed my lips against your
Trembling flesh,
And waited for your back to break.
You liar, you coward, you
Sleeping fool.
Hey, don't you know that secrets kill?
Heaven and hell are right
Here on Earth;
Decided by your own free will.
Unfinished business.
Fox in the headlights.
Tears for what might have been.
Unfinished business.
Crawling out of the woodwork.
I know how to ruin a good dream.
Now go tell your friends that I'm
Mad in my head.
That I don't know what I mean.
You walk like Jack and you
Love like Mary.
And you're more than a bit of a queen.
Unfinished business.
You know exactly what I mean.
You lie, you lie, you lie.
You lie, you lie, you lie.
Unfinished business, yeah, tough guy.
You know exactly what I mean.
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Unfinished Business Lyrics as written by John Themis George O'dowd
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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