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.
Baby, when your heart breaks down
When you're low on lovin' and there isn't anybody around
Well, you're gonna feel bad and you'll want to get back
The only good thing that you ever had.
Honey, when he turns you loose
And you keep on tryin' to forget him but it ain't no use
Well, then you're gonna know what I'm feeling now
Baby, when your heart breaks down.
I left Appaloosa and my homemade wine
I give up a job on a gas pipeline
I chased you across the country like that's all I had to do
There was nothing in the world would've changed my mind.
You were the girl with the starry eyes
And all them dreams that never had a chance of coming true.
Well, I packed my bags, bought a guitar
I caught me a ride on an old grain barge
I'm floatin' down this river tryin' not to think of you
Now one of these days when it says goodbye
Just to see how hard you'll cry
You'll be tryin' not to want me too.
When you're low on lovin' and there isn't anybody around
Well, you're gonna feel bad and you'll want to get back
The only good thing that you ever had.
Honey, when he turns you loose
And you keep on tryin' to forget him but it ain't no use
Well, then you're gonna know what I'm feeling now
Baby, when your heart breaks down.
I left Appaloosa and my homemade wine
I give up a job on a gas pipeline
I chased you across the country like that's all I had to do
There was nothing in the world would've changed my mind.
You were the girl with the starry eyes
And all them dreams that never had a chance of coming true.
Well, I packed my bags, bought a guitar
I caught me a ride on an old grain barge
I'm floatin' down this river tryin' not to think of you
Now one of these days when it says goodbye
Just to see how hard you'll cry
You'll be tryin' not to want me too.
Lyrics submitted by XXX729
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