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.
And you think you think you're so clever
And you've never been told you're not right
And you take drastic measures
to keep all your wrong doings from sight
You are a permanent figure
One that sticks out the most in my mind
I am not pulling the trigger
I'll learn to respect this in time
Fighter planes cover the stars again
Bombs away black waters turn to gray
And you think you're so awful
And you think you're the scum of the land
So what more could I ask for?
Than a life that's free of your demand
You are a permanent figure
One who strided straight out of a source
And you know nothing's bigger
Than the way that nature takes its course
Fighter planes cover the stars again
Bombs away, black waters turn to gray
Disappear, there's nothing left of here
See yourself when the colors resume
And you've never been told you're not right
And you take drastic measures
to keep all your wrong doings from sight
You are a permanent figure
One that sticks out the most in my mind
I am not pulling the trigger
I'll learn to respect this in time
Fighter planes cover the stars again
Bombs away black waters turn to gray
And you think you're so awful
And you think you're the scum of the land
So what more could I ask for?
Than a life that's free of your demand
You are a permanent figure
One who strided straight out of a source
And you know nothing's bigger
Than the way that nature takes its course
Fighter planes cover the stars again
Bombs away, black waters turn to gray
Disappear, there's nothing left of here
See yourself when the colors resume
Lyrics submitted by link93
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