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 woke up in the morning,
And I realized what I jerk I've been,
Feel like I need to call up,
And say I'm sorry to all my friends,
Now I see how God's working,
Sensitizing that part of me,
I've been learning the difference,
Between attitude and identity.
(chorus)
I'm sorry about who I am,
I'm not who I'm trying to be.
For some reason my bad attitude comes so easily.
Love is like an addiction,
And I hope that I'm gettin' hooked.
Spread it like an infection,
Seein' Christ everywhere I look
I dont want to be know as
"The handsome guy with the attitude"
I'm sick of makin' excuses,
It's not ok for me to be rude.
(chorus)
Your breaking down my defenses,
And I'm findin' I'm not so hard,
Love is knockin' me senseless,
Love is catchin' me off my guard.
And now this chip on my shoulder,
Is losing some of it's jaggedness.
Lord I want to draw closer,
Leave behind all my bitterness.
(chorus)
And I realized what I jerk I've been,
Feel like I need to call up,
And say I'm sorry to all my friends,
Now I see how God's working,
Sensitizing that part of me,
I've been learning the difference,
Between attitude and identity.
(chorus)
I'm sorry about who I am,
I'm not who I'm trying to be.
For some reason my bad attitude comes so easily.
Love is like an addiction,
And I hope that I'm gettin' hooked.
Spread it like an infection,
Seein' Christ everywhere I look
I dont want to be know as
"The handsome guy with the attitude"
I'm sick of makin' excuses,
It's not ok for me to be rude.
(chorus)
Your breaking down my defenses,
And I'm findin' I'm not so hard,
Love is knockin' me senseless,
Love is catchin' me off my guard.
And now this chip on my shoulder,
Is losing some of it's jaggedness.
Lord I want to draw closer,
Leave behind all my bitterness.
(chorus)
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Attitude Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
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