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.
Here comes another sad tale to tell
Details of failure at the wishing well
Bad luck and stars that never fell
Heartache and plans that didn't gel
Here comes one more lover's diatribe
Reflections of a former bride
Distraught and dealing with a loss of pride
Walked out on dreams that didn't jibe
Never get over this, you will never get over this
You will never get over this, you will never get over this
You will
Here comes a topic for the talk show couch
Today we're talking with one hapless spouse
Hear how he wouldn't open up his mouth
For fear of what was gonna come out
Instr.
Did time together in the torrid zone
They'll raise their kid over the telephone
Never get over this, you will never get over this
You will never get over this, you will someday get over this
You will
Details of failure at the wishing well
Bad luck and stars that never fell
Heartache and plans that didn't gel
Here comes one more lover's diatribe
Reflections of a former bride
Distraught and dealing with a loss of pride
Walked out on dreams that didn't jibe
Never get over this, you will never get over this
You will never get over this, you will never get over this
You will
Here comes a topic for the talk show couch
Today we're talking with one hapless spouse
Hear how he wouldn't open up his mouth
For fear of what was gonna come out
Instr.
Did time together in the torrid zone
They'll raise their kid over the telephone
Never get over this, you will never get over this
You will never get over this, you will someday get over this
You will
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Sad Tale Lyrics as written by Amy Rigby
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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
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.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.