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 looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
Your lips are moving, I cannot hear
Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear
You don't sound different, I've learned the game
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight
You're thinking of me the same old way
You were above me, but not today
The only difference is you're down there
I'm looking through you and you're nowhere
Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight
I'm looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
(Yeah, ah baby, you've changed)
(I'm a-lookin' through you, yeah)
(I'm lookin' through you)
(You've changed, you've changed, you've changed)
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
Your lips are moving, I cannot hear
Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear
You don't sound different, I've learned the game
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight
You're thinking of me the same old way
You were above me, but not today
The only difference is you're down there
I'm looking through you and you're nowhere
Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight
I'm looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
(Yeah, ah baby, you've changed)
(I'm a-lookin' through you, yeah)
(I'm lookin' through you)
(You've changed, you've changed, you've changed)
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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Great version of a great song,
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The anthology version of this song by the beatles sounds more like what he's trying to convey in his emotions. The one on the regular album sounds too drab and inhibitive. But in the anthology version it sounds more pissed off about the relationship gone wrong, etc. plus the music obviously fits altogether much better. I especially like the claps throughout the song...what a pretty dope ass band for a nerdy era?! Plus i've finally decided that paul is my personal fav beatles cause im just as romantic and we're born on the same day- woo hoo! anyhow i dont anyone gives a fuck what im saying, oh well...i dont know anyone on here, thats the pt.