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 had a dream last night, I remember I had a daughter
But I was scared to leave you alone all day with her
I know what you're thinking, it's a bit too harsh to come from me
How could anyone have that problem with someone like you
I'm sorry did you think I liked you?
How are you feeling?
Does it make your spine curl up with shame
To think that we thought of you as a person not to blame
But now it's plain to see all those fists you gave behind closed doors
We're no longer private secrets, when you boasted of your thoughts
Was she thankful for that day?
He was being cruel to be unkind
Now the stains have washed away, he's got nothing bad left to say
That doesn't mean that I would like him now
He'd be stupid to think he'd get away with what had scarred someone so deep inside
So nobody's caring
So when was the last time that affected him
He hasn't got a constructive thought inside his head
But still he keeps on digging, but the only way he's digging is down
So now are you happy in your new foxhole?
Are you thankful for this day?
He was being cruel to be unkind
Now the stains have washed away, he's got nothing bad left to say
That doesn't mean that I would like him now
He'd be stupid to think he'd get away with what had scarred someone so deep inside
Did you think you were safe dug in your new foxhole?
I'll be thankful for that day
We never imagined he could be that way
Our first impressions had no trace
He was being cruel to be unkind
He never thought that he would look behind
Now the stains are here to stay
They're never gonna be washed away
'Cause he was being cruel to be unkind
Did you think you were safe dug in your new foxhole?
I'll be thankful for that day
We never imagined he could be that way
Our first impressions had no trace
This is just a feeling, correct me if I'm wrong
But did he have to walk away from the crimes that stained him?
Now he'll have to wait, like on an empty station
Maybe change his name or find a new vocation
So nobody's caring, when was the last time that affected him?
He hasn't got a constructive thought inside his head
But still he keeps on digging, he says he's sorry, it'll never happen again
Are you happy stuck indside your old foxhole
Are you happy in your old foxhole?
Are you happy in your old style mould?
Are you happy in your new foxhole?
But I was scared to leave you alone all day with her
I know what you're thinking, it's a bit too harsh to come from me
How could anyone have that problem with someone like you
I'm sorry did you think I liked you?
How are you feeling?
Does it make your spine curl up with shame
To think that we thought of you as a person not to blame
But now it's plain to see all those fists you gave behind closed doors
We're no longer private secrets, when you boasted of your thoughts
Was she thankful for that day?
He was being cruel to be unkind
Now the stains have washed away, he's got nothing bad left to say
That doesn't mean that I would like him now
He'd be stupid to think he'd get away with what had scarred someone so deep inside
So nobody's caring
So when was the last time that affected him
He hasn't got a constructive thought inside his head
But still he keeps on digging, but the only way he's digging is down
So now are you happy in your new foxhole?
Are you thankful for this day?
He was being cruel to be unkind
Now the stains have washed away, he's got nothing bad left to say
That doesn't mean that I would like him now
He'd be stupid to think he'd get away with what had scarred someone so deep inside
Did you think you were safe dug in your new foxhole?
I'll be thankful for that day
We never imagined he could be that way
Our first impressions had no trace
He was being cruel to be unkind
He never thought that he would look behind
Now the stains are here to stay
They're never gonna be washed away
'Cause he was being cruel to be unkind
Did you think you were safe dug in your new foxhole?
I'll be thankful for that day
We never imagined he could be that way
Our first impressions had no trace
This is just a feeling, correct me if I'm wrong
But did he have to walk away from the crimes that stained him?
Now he'll have to wait, like on an empty station
Maybe change his name or find a new vocation
So nobody's caring, when was the last time that affected him?
He hasn't got a constructive thought inside his head
But still he keeps on digging, he says he's sorry, it'll never happen again
Are you happy stuck indside your old foxhole
Are you happy in your old foxhole?
Are you happy in your old style mould?
Are you happy in your new foxhole?
Lyrics submitted by black_cow_of_death
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