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.
Only when the goal is unattainable
Do I start to feel like I'm losing myself
And this deep secret that hasn't come out yet
Is buried down deep with the rest
I can't coerce you into this one
Jealousy, lay all your spells to bed
I'll choose unloved instead
If only songs were sung to guide the doubtful ones
Beyond the rough where not as much is good enough
Oh if you find yourself amongst the lonely ones
I will be waiting you with open arms
I can't coerce you into this one
Jealousy, lay all your spells to bed
I'll choose unloved instead
Do I start to feel like I'm losing myself
And this deep secret that hasn't come out yet
Is buried down deep with the rest
I can't coerce you into this one
Jealousy, lay all your spells to bed
I'll choose unloved instead
If only songs were sung to guide the doubtful ones
Beyond the rough where not as much is good enough
Oh if you find yourself amongst the lonely ones
I will be waiting you with open arms
I can't coerce you into this one
Jealousy, lay all your spells to bed
I'll choose unloved instead
Lyrics submitted by life_aint_chess
Unattainable Lyrics as written by Rodrigo Amarante Neves Fabrizio Moretti
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think in this song the singer (girl) is finding herself falling more and more for her guy friend the more he becomes "unattainable"- obviously not interested, or taken by someone else, etc. She says how "only when the goal is unattainable do I start to feel like I'm losing myself", him being the goal and losing herself meaning losing her control over her feelings. And as she starts to realize how much she likes him, she buries it and keeps it a secret, knowing she cant have him if she tried. "I can't coerce you into this one/ Jealousy lay all your spells to rest/ I'll choose unloved instead": the chorus, is her knowing she cant get him to fall for her (I think because he's in love with someone else), she tells herself to stop being jealous and (possibly) to stop trying to prevent his relationship with this other girl. She resolves to "choose unloved"- in giving him up and letting her feelings be unrequited. "If only songs were sung/ to guide the doubtful ones/ beyond the rough/ where not as much is good enough" she's saying how she wishes there were songs that could help her get over him; get past this point where him even just showing signs of liking her a tiny bit, is enough to keep her liking him. "Oh, if you find yourself/ amongst the lonely ones/ I'll be waiting here with open arms" but in this line she kind of gives up on trying to get rid of her feelings. She thinks, what she of course will never tell him, that if he's ever lonely like she is, ie. not in love with someone else, she'll be waiting with open arms. This is kind of her last remaining hopeful thought that maybe one day he'll come around and notice her.
Anyways, I love this song, the meaning is kind of sad but we've all been there. It's very realistic and most people can relate to it. And the song is just one of those songs that makes you want to fall in love (even if it's the painful unrequited kind).
this is sublime
this song speaks to the heart..
This song is absolutely devistating to me, but I love it.
I think this is about someone who has given up on her relationship with someone very stubborn who does not trust her. She wants to get through to him, but feels that doing so is unattainable and she would just rather be single than be unheard.
So beautiful i want to cry. Totally relatible
looooooove this song, it's kind of 40s and def sexy...good for sultry summer nights
this song transports me to such happy places... overlooking a vast blue ocean in silence... just close your eyes and listen to this song and imagine your happy place... purely sublime in every sence of the word... pure happiness, pure simplicity, pure enjoyment in a 2 minute song. little joy is great!
great song ! it really knows how to get to me.
it has a great point to it , because alot of ppl are living through this stage right now , and there is nothing better than to hear a song that is relating to your situation.
i love this osng... its just pretty. not going to try to go deeper then pretty and sweet :)