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 are you if not the one I met?
One July night before the town went wet
Jack and coke in your mama's car
You were reading The Bell Jar
Where are you if you're not on your own?
You're always lonely, never quite alone
Where's the Jesus that you swore you'd find?
After running the last line
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
I got lucky when I finished school
Lost three fingers to a faulty tool
Settled out of court, I'm no one's fool
You probably knew
There's plenty left to make a getaway
We've spent enough nights in the bluegrass state
We could go somewhere where people stay up late
Or just somewhere new
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
Here I am inviting you to throw your life away
Victim of nostalgia maybe take away
Just tonight I realized I am still in your backseat
Nothing I've had since has meant a thing to me
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
One July night before the town went wet
Jack and coke in your mama's car
You were reading The Bell Jar
Where are you if you're not on your own?
You're always lonely, never quite alone
Where's the Jesus that you swore you'd find?
After running the last line
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
I got lucky when I finished school
Lost three fingers to a faulty tool
Settled out of court, I'm no one's fool
You probably knew
There's plenty left to make a getaway
We've spent enough nights in the bluegrass state
We could go somewhere where people stay up late
Or just somewhere new
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
Here I am inviting you to throw your life away
Victim of nostalgia maybe take away
Just tonight I realized I am still in your backseat
Nothing I've had since has meant a thing to me
Are you living the life you chose?
Are you living the life that chose you?
Are you taking a grown-up dose?
Do you live with a man who knows you like I
Thought I did back then
Oh, but I guess I never did
Did I, kid?
Lyrics submitted by belledujour, edited by jeffreyjpa
The Life You Chose Lyrics as written by Jason Isbell
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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