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 help about the shape I'm in
I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Now, when I talked to God, I knew He'd understand
He said, "Stick by my side and I'll be your guiding hand
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to"
Ooh, well
I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Now, when I talked to God, I knew He'd understand
He said, "Stick by my side and I'll be your guiding hand
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to"
Ooh, well
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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Fabulous song, giving an opportunity for some cool guitar work around a cleverly written ( and very catchy ) song.
I guess it is really about someone who is self deprecating, or at least acknowledging their own shortcomings, but also that others have their problems too - don't judge, just accept.
I particularly like the second verse, because it takes a very realistic approach to God ( is that possible? who knows ). Sort of "yes I love you and will help you, but don't get too bigheaded."
I still think it is about superficial people who rely on others for their sense of self, and the writer is telling them not to ask him what he thinks because they might get hurt by what he thinks.
This song is amazing. Love the distortion on the voice.
Just pretty self-explanatory.
Best Peter Green era song from this great band!
Page used the stop and start technique as an inspiration on "Black dog"
wow only 2 comments? this is only the best song to have ever come out of the late 60's! bloody good blues guitarist was peter green, especially when combined with danny kirwan. more people should pay more attention to this masterpiece of blues rock
This song is a masterpiece
A cheap, sleazy rock record (in the good way) that trademarks the era.
Awesome.
I think it is a song about people caring too much about superficial things: "I can't sing, i ain't and my legs are thin.." So, the writer is telling the audience that you may not want his opinion of you because he would be brutally honest, and you might not like what you hear. Especially if you're in the high maintenance, superficial category....... probably best not to ask.
"I ain't pretty*"
A really great song that wouldn't go over well in this age of "safe spaces" and the like. That kind of honesty, from a person or even more so from God (like the Total Perspective Vortex on major steroids), isn't appreciated--so I'm glad it was written when it was.
Judge not lest ye be judged.