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.
She's out of school again
But she won't be calling from where she is going
the lines are jammed this time
what could a girl like her need with a slacker like me
If I were a terrorist
I'd bomb you're graduation
If I were a terrorist
there'd be no hesitation
So I'm going on tour with the band
She said "stay for the summer" but she don't understand
That the radio plays what they want you to hear
and I want them to play you your love song this year
If I were a terrorist
I'd bomb you're graduation
If I were a terrorist
there'd be no hesitation
The cameras are flashing
Her black robe is passing
and there I am chilled to my bones
This is the year my girlfirends leaving home
She'll probably end up with a frat guy
She'll probably get pinned while I sleep in the van
I'm sure she'll be home for thanksgiving
I'll send her a picture of me making out with a fan.... And.....
If I were a terrorist
I'd bomb you're graduation
If I were a terrorist
there'd be no hesitation
The cameras are flashing
Her black robe is passing
and there I am chilled to my bones
This is the year my girlfirends leaving
this is the year my girlfriends leaving
this is the year my girlfriends leaving
home
But she won't be calling from where she is going
the lines are jammed this time
what could a girl like her need with a slacker like me
If I were a terrorist
I'd bomb you're graduation
If I were a terrorist
there'd be no hesitation
So I'm going on tour with the band
She said "stay for the summer" but she don't understand
That the radio plays what they want you to hear
and I want them to play you your love song this year
If I were a terrorist
I'd bomb you're graduation
If I were a terrorist
there'd be no hesitation
The cameras are flashing
Her black robe is passing
and there I am chilled to my bones
This is the year my girlfirends leaving home
She'll probably end up with a frat guy
She'll probably get pinned while I sleep in the van
I'm sure she'll be home for thanksgiving
I'll send her a picture of me making out with a fan.... And.....
If I were a terrorist
I'd bomb you're graduation
If I were a terrorist
there'd be no hesitation
The cameras are flashing
Her black robe is passing
and there I am chilled to my bones
This is the year my girlfirends leaving
this is the year my girlfriends leaving
this is the year my girlfriends leaving
home
Lyrics submitted by evilmprss
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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.”
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they never did a studio version unfortunately. hey only played it live