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'm looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
Your lips are moving, I cannot hear
Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear
You don't sound different, I've learned the game
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight
You're thinking of me the same old way
You were above me, but not today
The only difference is you're down there
I'm looking through you and you're nowhere
Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight
I'm looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
(Yeah, ah baby, you've changed)
(I'm a-lookin' through you, yeah)
(I'm lookin' through you)
(You've changed, you've changed, you've changed)
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
Your lips are moving, I cannot hear
Your voice is soothing, but the words aren't clear
You don't sound different, I've learned the game
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight
You're thinking of me the same old way
You were above me, but not today
The only difference is you're down there
I'm looking through you and you're nowhere
Why, tell me why, did you not treat me right?
Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight
I'm looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don't look different, but you have changed
I'm looking through you, you're not the same
(Yeah, ah baby, you've changed)
(I'm a-lookin' through you, yeah)
(I'm lookin' through you)
(You've changed, you've changed, you've changed)
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A bitter song by Paul directed at his then fiance Jane Asher. He wanted her to be at home all the time when he needed her and she was busy becoming a famous actress in Brittain.
The anthology version of this song by the beatles sounds more like what he's trying to convey in his emotions. The one on the regular album sounds too drab and inhibitive. But in the anthology version it sounds more pissed off about the relationship gone wrong, etc. plus the music obviously fits altogether much better. I especially like the claps throughout the song...what a pretty dope ass band for a nerdy era?! Plus i've finally decided that paul is my personal fav beatles cause im just as romantic and we're born on the same day- woo hoo! anyhow i dont anyone gives a fuck what im saying, oh well...i dont know anyone on here, thats the pt.
I love the line "You don't sound different, I've learned the game"
"And I Love Her" and "I'm looking through You" are both about Jane Asher, obviously written at different times in their relationship.
I've experienced this song through and through. It's really just about someone that means alot to you, and one day you just feel like they've changed. They never really go back to the way they were, and they just don't have room for you in their life anymore. And yes, love does have a nasty habit of disappearing overnight.
Rubber Soul, Amazing. I love the song Michelle especially because i know a Michelle.
Hey, Walrus. I'm married to a Michele, born in 1965, and named for the song!<br /> <br /> Best regards --
it's so wierd but there are a couple songs that remind me of my ex-girl from her view. this song I want you(she's so heavy) I'm a loser don't let me down.
but never the less i love this song.
This song has been confirmed by Paul as being thinly veiled as being directed towards Jane Asher, who was away all the time, thus the line, "I'm looking through you, and you're no where!"
This song was written when Paul McCartney and Jane Asher first began to experience distance between them, emotionally and physically. She wanted her life as an actress, not to be at his beck and call, which is what he wanted. There was also a great divide between Paul McCartney and Jane Asher as she was rather straightlaced compared to Linda, Paul's first wife. I don't think Jane Asher was a pot smoker or drug user, wanting to experiment, something that was a big part of Paul's life. I think they even lived together with Jane's brother Peter in a flat (parents too?). I guess he thought he knew her but what did he know, indeed?
Lovely song, just listen to that nice guitar work :)
agreed there's something that stands out on the acoustic guitar in the entire song. And especially in the chorus.