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.
Tell me why you've got your head in your hands
Say you've been kicked around
Of you're hiding in the corner with your hat
pulled down low
You can't see past the next round
What ever happened to the fire inside of you?
You had the world by the tail
Oh, no one else remembers but man I do
You coulda had it all but you walked away
Don't walk away
If it's what you love it's worth fighting for
Don't tell me it's too tough
You got your doubts
Yeah, I've been there before
And I think you're strong enough
Yeah, I think you're strong enough
Oh, you were fast as lightning
You had the golden touch
You carried everyone to the top
I guess you cracked under pressure
It was a long hard way to fall
You didn't even try to get back up
You gotta get back up
If it's what you love it's worth fighting for
Don't tell me it's too tough
You got your doubts
Yeah, I've been there before
And I think you're strong enough
Yeah, I think you're strong enough
To take another shot
Try it all again
Somehow find a way
To get back to where you've been
I want that fighter that I knew
That fire in your eyes
You've got a second chance
Don't give up and let it die
If it's what you love it's worth fighting for
Don't tell me it's too tough
You got your doubts
Yeah, I've been there before
And I think you're strong enough
Yeah, I think you're strong enough
Say you've been kicked around
Of you're hiding in the corner with your hat
pulled down low
You can't see past the next round
What ever happened to the fire inside of you?
You had the world by the tail
Oh, no one else remembers but man I do
You coulda had it all but you walked away
Don't walk away
If it's what you love it's worth fighting for
Don't tell me it's too tough
You got your doubts
Yeah, I've been there before
And I think you're strong enough
Yeah, I think you're strong enough
Oh, you were fast as lightning
You had the golden touch
You carried everyone to the top
I guess you cracked under pressure
It was a long hard way to fall
You didn't even try to get back up
You gotta get back up
If it's what you love it's worth fighting for
Don't tell me it's too tough
You got your doubts
Yeah, I've been there before
And I think you're strong enough
Yeah, I think you're strong enough
To take another shot
Try it all again
Somehow find a way
To get back to where you've been
I want that fighter that I knew
That fire in your eyes
You've got a second chance
Don't give up and let it die
If it's what you love it's worth fighting for
Don't tell me it's too tough
You got your doubts
Yeah, I've been there before
And I think you're strong enough
Yeah, I think you're strong enough
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Strong Enough Lyrics as written by Christopher Ward David Thomson
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
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.