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.
Lying awake dead of night and eyes that never close
Flowers decay, a still life calls for a change
I can't wait, forever
Miles away dead of night and it's quiet as the grave
When there's more in your head than you find in your life
Calls for a change
I can't wait, forever
And the days and the hours and the years
Keep turning in my mind
I've been waiting forever
Flowers decay, a still life calls for a change
I can't wait, forever
Miles away dead of night and it's quiet as the grave
When there's more in your head than you find in your life
Calls for a change
I can't wait, forever
And the days and the hours and the years
Keep turning in my mind
I've been waiting forever
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
I Can't Wait Lyrics as written by Harriet Wheeler David Gavurin
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think this is about somebody who's sick of waiting around for something good to happen. Idle time can create a sense of frustration. It's that feeling so many experience when they wonder if they'll ever find what they've been searching in life.
Love that line "When there’s more in your head than you find in your life." It's a terrible thing when you allow yourself to dwell in dreams rather than focus on reality. I suppose that's where the "calls for a change" comes into the picture.