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 can't sleep, no, not like I used to
I can't breathe in and out like I need to
It's breaking ice, now, to make any movement
What's your vice? You know that mine's the illusion
And all at once (as I'm trying)
I can help you out (just to keep things right)
I'll be what you need
(I kill myself to make everything perfect for you)
I'll do anything
Goodbye, apathy
So long, apathy
So don't sit still, but don't you move away from here
So goodbye, apathy (as I'm trying)
So long, fancy free (just to keep things right)
Goodbye, apathy
(I kill myself to make everything perfect for you)
I don't wanna be you
I don't walk right, not like I used to
There's a jump in my step as I rush to see you
I could be happy here as long as you're near to me
As long as you're close to me
Now that I'm alright (as I'm trying)
I can help you out (just to keep things right)
I'll be what you need
(I kill myself to make everything perfect for you)
Goodbye, apathy
So goodbye, apathy
So don't you stop pushing me, I can take so much
So goodbye, apathy (as I'm trying)
So long, fancy free (just to keep things right)
Goodbye, apathy
(I kill myself to make everything perfect for you)
I don't wanna be you
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
(I can't sleep)
(I can't sleep)
I can't breathe in and out like I need to
It's breaking ice, now, to make any movement
What's your vice? You know that mine's the illusion
And all at once (as I'm trying)
I can help you out (just to keep things right)
I'll be what you need
(I kill myself to make everything perfect for you)
I'll do anything
Goodbye, apathy
So long, apathy
So don't sit still, but don't you move away from here
So goodbye, apathy (as I'm trying)
So long, fancy free (just to keep things right)
Goodbye, apathy
(I kill myself to make everything perfect for you)
I don't wanna be you
I don't walk right, not like I used to
There's a jump in my step as I rush to see you
I could be happy here as long as you're near to me
As long as you're close to me
Now that I'm alright (as I'm trying)
I can help you out (just to keep things right)
I'll be what you need
(I kill myself to make everything perfect for you)
Goodbye, apathy
So goodbye, apathy
So don't you stop pushing me, I can take so much
So goodbye, apathy (as I'm trying)
So long, fancy free (just to keep things right)
Goodbye, apathy
(I kill myself to make everything perfect for you)
I don't wanna be you
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
Everybody is watching you,
Everybody is watching me, too
(I can't sleep)
(I can't sleep)
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sounds like you got it! i love this song, too!