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.
You're sleeping all your moments away
I'm counting every breath that you take
You've been snoozing 20 years and lengthening that beard
You whittled a squirrel for me
And counted lemons on your tree
And every time I turn around and have given up for good
You say, "Hey, it'll be alright"
I said, "Hey, I'm alright"
Every time I turn around and have given up for good
You're haunted by the things that you've seen
I know they give you terrible dreams
We all know you'll wake up soon and rattle off that dust
You can spot a hawk a mile away
Cursing all those old blue jays
But every time I turn around and have given up for good
You say, "Hey, I'm alright"
You said, "Hey, I'm alright"
Every time I turn around and have given up for good
Hey, let's go cruise the J
I'll take you away, I'll take you away
Can't fill any more plates, move any more chairs
It's been too many years, it's been too many years
I'm counting every breath that you take
You've been snoozing 20 years and lengthening that beard
You whittled a squirrel for me
And counted lemons on your tree
And every time I turn around and have given up for good
You say, "Hey, it'll be alright"
I said, "Hey, I'm alright"
Every time I turn around and have given up for good
You're haunted by the things that you've seen
I know they give you terrible dreams
We all know you'll wake up soon and rattle off that dust
You can spot a hawk a mile away
Cursing all those old blue jays
But every time I turn around and have given up for good
You say, "Hey, I'm alright"
You said, "Hey, I'm alright"
Every time I turn around and have given up for good
Hey, let's go cruise the J
I'll take you away, I'll take you away
Can't fill any more plates, move any more chairs
It's been too many years, it's been too many years
Lyrics submitted by embassyrow
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