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.
Self, dare you still breathe?
Knowing, showing, growing this will to deceive
Eyes (eyes) burn (burn) holes through these walls
These mirrors that stare, bring knees to the floor
The person I am, is what I abhor
No one wants my love
No one wants my love
Sliced wrists, it would seem so practical
Defying odds of nature
I'd save you all the pain
I've tried to avoid me (I've tried to avoid me), but I always find myself (but I always find myself)
And if I cannot use me (and if I cannot use me), I may as well throw me out (I may as well throw me out)
Throw me out
Throw me out
Throw me out
Die
This pronoun slices thin the skin of self esteem
As I am wed to barrel in mouth, I take this, I take this self
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
What is this ???
??? I can't fucking breathe
And then you'll fucking miss me
My dream is blood and pain
Face down in mud and in the rain
I soak the soil with stain
I'm sure I'll dream it again and again
The art of taking this self
Is far beyond eyes
One with cold steel
Lay this self quietly to rest
I die
I die
I (I) die (die)
I (I) die (die)
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
Knowing, showing, growing this will to deceive
Eyes (eyes) burn (burn) holes through these walls
These mirrors that stare, bring knees to the floor
The person I am, is what I abhor
No one wants my love
No one wants my love
Sliced wrists, it would seem so practical
Defying odds of nature
I'd save you all the pain
I've tried to avoid me (I've tried to avoid me), but I always find myself (but I always find myself)
And if I cannot use me (and if I cannot use me), I may as well throw me out (I may as well throw me out)
Throw me out
Throw me out
Throw me out
Die
This pronoun slices thin the skin of self esteem
As I am wed to barrel in mouth, I take this, I take this self
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
What is this ???
??? I can't fucking breathe
And then you'll fucking miss me
My dream is blood and pain
Face down in mud and in the rain
I soak the soil with stain
I'm sure I'll dream it again and again
The art of taking this self
Is far beyond eyes
One with cold steel
Lay this self quietly to rest
I die
I die
I (I) die (die)
I (I) die (die)
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
My finger was on the trigger
And I came so close tonight
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Great version of a great song,
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