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 get that itch for leaving
There sure is a lot to see
When I hear those big jets winding
It makes me wanna leave
I've never been to Paris
Still never been to Maine
I sure like California
I could leave on the next plane
When I hear your voice a-call me
Begging me to stay
I'm torn and I'm tattered
The sky is turned to gray
My mind is numb and I haven't slept
And my heart it aches for you
If I stay here, my darling,
I don't know if I'll make it through
On the 18th day of December
That's when I did go
I packed my bags and I headed south
I walked right out the door
All alone in that dwelling place
As cold as cold could be
Not a soul inside that evening
Just this feeling of relief
She's as fine as the evening sun
That, I would not lie
But I would not give my life to her
No matter how hard I tried
I may never find another
I've come to realize
But you can't hold back a roaming man
Darling, I apologize
I broke her heart so suddenly
Like a thief in the night
But as sure as the morning comes
I know what I did was right
I did not mean to lead you on
For that you won't forget
This heart of mine is breaking
And I'm filled with regret
It breaks my heart to know, dear,
I couldn't ever say goodbye
But I know, my darling,
You'd be unhappy as my bride
You'll surely find another man
Who will take you as his wife
And I'll be alone, my dear,
Living the bachelor's life
There sure is a lot to see
When I hear those big jets winding
It makes me wanna leave
I've never been to Paris
Still never been to Maine
I sure like California
I could leave on the next plane
When I hear your voice a-call me
Begging me to stay
I'm torn and I'm tattered
The sky is turned to gray
My mind is numb and I haven't slept
And my heart it aches for you
If I stay here, my darling,
I don't know if I'll make it through
On the 18th day of December
That's when I did go
I packed my bags and I headed south
I walked right out the door
All alone in that dwelling place
As cold as cold could be
Not a soul inside that evening
Just this feeling of relief
She's as fine as the evening sun
That, I would not lie
But I would not give my life to her
No matter how hard I tried
I may never find another
I've come to realize
But you can't hold back a roaming man
Darling, I apologize
I broke her heart so suddenly
Like a thief in the night
But as sure as the morning comes
I know what I did was right
I did not mean to lead you on
For that you won't forget
This heart of mine is breaking
And I'm filled with regret
It breaks my heart to know, dear,
I couldn't ever say goodbye
But I know, my darling,
You'd be unhappy as my bride
You'll surely find another man
Who will take you as his wife
And I'll be alone, my dear,
Living the bachelor's life
Lyrics submitted by natbrack
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