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.
Destroy the heart, she said
It'll make you want to smash your head
Destroy the heart she said
But I need her more than I need air
Destroy the heart, she said
You will suffer and be scared
Worry, sweat and never care
But I need her more than I need air
Yes, I need her more than I need air
Baby said, I was never fun
Above the waist, completely dumb
Baby said, I should make a life
Something solid and I should suffer
Baby said, I had more to say
Than the usual boys who were just really pains
Baby said, I had so much more
But that she could not do any more for me
Destroy the heart, she said
Better soon we will be quite dead
She wanted freedom not a shackled man
But I need her more than I need air
Yes, I need her more than I need air
Baby said, I was never fun
Above the waist, completely dumb
Baby said, I should make a life
Something solid and I should suffer
Destroy the heart, she said
It'll make you want to smash your head
Destroy the heart, she said
But I need her more than I need air
Yes, I need her and I wanted her
I need her more than life itself
It'll make you want to smash your head
Destroy the heart she said
But I need her more than I need air
Destroy the heart, she said
You will suffer and be scared
Worry, sweat and never care
But I need her more than I need air
Yes, I need her more than I need air
Baby said, I was never fun
Above the waist, completely dumb
Baby said, I should make a life
Something solid and I should suffer
Baby said, I had more to say
Than the usual boys who were just really pains
Baby said, I had so much more
But that she could not do any more for me
Destroy the heart, she said
Better soon we will be quite dead
She wanted freedom not a shackled man
But I need her more than I need air
Yes, I need her more than I need air
Baby said, I was never fun
Above the waist, completely dumb
Baby said, I should make a life
Something solid and I should suffer
Destroy the heart, she said
It'll make you want to smash your head
Destroy the heart, she said
But I need her more than I need air
Yes, I need her and I wanted her
I need her more than life itself
Lyrics submitted by softasfire
Destroy the Heart Lyrics as written by Guy Chadwick
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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.