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'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean
I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean
Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box
Religion is the smile on a dog
I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean, do doo yeah
Shove me in the shallow waters
Before I get too deep
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are, or?
Oh, I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean
Philosophy is a walk on the slippery rocks
Religion is a light in the fog
I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean, do doo yeah
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what you are is?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what
Ha la la ha
I say, I say, I say, I do
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Don't let me get too deep
Don't let me get too deep
Don't let me get too deep
Don't let me get too deep
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what you are is?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
I know what I know, if you know what I mean
I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean
Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box
Religion is the smile on a dog
I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean, do doo yeah
Shove me in the shallow waters
Before I get too deep
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are, or?
Oh, I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean
Philosophy is a walk on the slippery rocks
Religion is a light in the fog
I'm not aware of too many things
I know what I know, if you know what I mean, do doo yeah
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what you are is?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what
Ha la la ha
I say, I say, I say, I do
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Shove me in the shallow water
Before I get too deep
Don't let me get too deep
Don't let me get too deep
Don't let me get too deep
Don't let me get too deep
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what you are is?
What I am is what I am
Are you what you are or what?
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Great version of a great song,
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Ahhhh! To EVERYONE who THINKS they are CERTAIN that the lyrics here are printed incorrectly, I am holding in my hands the official CD of Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars. Inside the cover, which also appears to be handwritten on by Edie herself, the lyrics CLEARLY say "CHOKE me in the shallow water." Sorry, but just had to clear that up!! You are the wrong ones!!! So please stop acting all condescending about it when you haven't even done your homework.
@RH1997forever I agree that online lyrics are often waaay off. But please tell me also that another line is as I always heard it, "Religion is a lie in the fog." Not light? Please make it be so, lol?<br />