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 know how you’re operating
Only come around when you know that I need it
Cut out my heart and you leave me bleeding
But you’re the only one that brings out the demon
Like pills you make me righteous
Like I can rise above it all
Like pills you leave me lifeless
Shaken in a bathroom stall
Why you wanna do this
Don’t want to see you in my fall
Leave me alone
I know how you’re operating
Only come around when you know that I need it
Cut out my heart and you leave me bleeding
You’re the only one that brings out the demon
You bring it out
You bring it out
Like pills you grab a hold of me
One hit just makes me want you more
Until we’re in a motel room
Locked up behind closed doors
Why you wanna do this
Don’t want to see you in my fall
Leave me alone
I know how you’re operating
Only come around when you know that I need it
Cut out my heart and you leave me bleeding
You’re the only one that brings out the demon
You bring it out
You bring it out
You’re doing it now
You’re doing it now
You’re doing it now
It used to be
You brought out the best in me
Now it seems
You bring out the beast in me
I know how you’re operating
Only come around when you know that I need it
Cut out my heart and you leave me bleeding
You are the only one that brings out the demon
You bring it out
(You bring it out)
You bring it out
(You bring it out)
You bring it out
(You bring it out)
Only come around when you know that I need it
Cut out my heart and you leave me bleeding
But you’re the only one that brings out the demon
Like pills you make me righteous
Like I can rise above it all
Like pills you leave me lifeless
Shaken in a bathroom stall
Why you wanna do this
Don’t want to see you in my fall
Leave me alone
I know how you’re operating
Only come around when you know that I need it
Cut out my heart and you leave me bleeding
You’re the only one that brings out the demon
You bring it out
You bring it out
Like pills you grab a hold of me
One hit just makes me want you more
Until we’re in a motel room
Locked up behind closed doors
Why you wanna do this
Don’t want to see you in my fall
Leave me alone
I know how you’re operating
Only come around when you know that I need it
Cut out my heart and you leave me bleeding
You’re the only one that brings out the demon
You bring it out
You bring it out
You’re doing it now
You’re doing it now
You’re doing it now
It used to be
You brought out the best in me
Now it seems
You bring out the beast in me
I know how you’re operating
Only come around when you know that I need it
Cut out my heart and you leave me bleeding
You are the only one that brings out the demon
You bring it out
(You bring it out)
You bring it out
(You bring it out)
You bring it out
(You bring it out)
Lyrics submitted by MusicFREAK20
Operate Lyrics as written by Barry Stock Adam Gontier
Lyrics © HYVETOWN MUSIC INC, 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.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
Another one about a toxic relationship. They keep stringing you along, you can't let go and their games with you ''bring out the demon...''
Good song. Has a different melody.
i honestly thought that he was talking about having an affair.. 0_0
ok, come on songmeanings, it's obviously in my Phone.