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.
Hello you straight-laced lady,
Dressed in white but your shoes aren't clean.
Painted them up with polish
In the hope we can't see where you've been.
The smiling face that you've worn
To greet me rising at morning --
Sent me out to work for my score.
Please me and say what it's for.
Give me the straight-laced promise
And not the pathetic lie.
Tie me down with your ribbons
And sulk when I ask you why.
Your Sunday paper voice cries
Demanding truths I deny.
The bitter-sweet kiss you pretended
Is offered, our affair mended.
Sossity: You're a woman.
Society: You're a woman.
All of the tears you're wasting
Are for yourself and not for me.
It's sad to know you're aging
Sadder still to admit I'm free.
Your immature physical toy has grown,
Too young to enjoy at last your straight-laced agreement:
Woman, you were too old for me.
Sossity: You're a woman.
Society: You're a woman.
Dressed in white but your shoes aren't clean.
Painted them up with polish
In the hope we can't see where you've been.
The smiling face that you've worn
To greet me rising at morning --
Sent me out to work for my score.
Please me and say what it's for.
Give me the straight-laced promise
And not the pathetic lie.
Tie me down with your ribbons
And sulk when I ask you why.
Your Sunday paper voice cries
Demanding truths I deny.
The bitter-sweet kiss you pretended
Is offered, our affair mended.
Sossity: You're a woman.
Society: You're a woman.
All of the tears you're wasting
Are for yourself and not for me.
It's sad to know you're aging
Sadder still to admit I'm free.
Your immature physical toy has grown,
Too young to enjoy at last your straight-laced agreement:
Woman, you were too old for me.
Sossity: You're a woman.
Society: You're a woman.
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It's not really about a woman at all, he's damning Society with this song. He's saying that the whole of Society is a messed up old bitch that clings to him and tries to control him, and just pointlessly restricts him. He says Society is too old for him. He's pretty much right. Individuals when alone are hopeless and terrified. But when they band together as a mob or a Society, they become a scary monster. Or maybe just a nasty old witch. Anyways, we all need to be part of Society, but secretly none of us like it. Ian just walks away from it, he finds it useless.