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.
Who’s gonna tell me I’m wrong
When I’m careless
Who’s gonna pick out my thoughts
When you do it so well
Everyone says to get over it
Oh, I know I should
But I’m losing my cool
Yeah, I’m losing it all to you
Hoping the best will get better now
Maybe I’m not right
But I’ll be just fine, back home without you
We’ll make brand new friends
I’m proud of you since
You got out of this town alive
Write down my name on a postcard
Next summer
Read black and white
Like a paperback cover
I’m on your mind
Till the years pass us by
Hold me, touch me
Never let me go until I’m gone
I’m sorry, I know it’s my fault
But I’ll be just fine, back home without you
We’ll make brand new friends
I’m proud of you since
You got out of this town alive
Now you’re gone
Living well and fortunate
I sound skeptical
I’m just not used to it
So back to better times
May not have been the last time
It’s all I’ve got to say
I wish you would’ve stayed
Maybe I’m not right
But I’ll be just fine, back home without you
We’ll make brand new friends
I’m proud of you since
You got out of this town alive
(2 x’s)
When I’m careless
Who’s gonna pick out my thoughts
When you do it so well
Everyone says to get over it
Oh, I know I should
But I’m losing my cool
Yeah, I’m losing it all to you
Hoping the best will get better now
Maybe I’m not right
But I’ll be just fine, back home without you
We’ll make brand new friends
I’m proud of you since
You got out of this town alive
Write down my name on a postcard
Next summer
Read black and white
Like a paperback cover
I’m on your mind
Till the years pass us by
Hold me, touch me
Never let me go until I’m gone
I’m sorry, I know it’s my fault
But I’ll be just fine, back home without you
We’ll make brand new friends
I’m proud of you since
You got out of this town alive
Now you’re gone
Living well and fortunate
I sound skeptical
I’m just not used to it
So back to better times
May not have been the last time
It’s all I’ve got to say
I wish you would’ve stayed
Maybe I’m not right
But I’ll be just fine, back home without you
We’ll make brand new friends
I’m proud of you since
You got out of this town alive
(2 x’s)
Lyrics submitted by Zynx
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