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 know you say you're ready to change
But I need to get it down on paper
It's in your face you're ready to blame
The first guy in line to catch the train
I'll save your seat
'Cause you don't stand for what you preach
You're singing with a broken string, tell me what you really mean,
Do you know what you want?
While beating up on yesterday, I was on my rollerblades
Rolling on moving on
It's time to take the time to create
'Cause you're running late the doors are closing
So tip your hat and you might get back
Whatever you need is up ahead
This train won't stop for anybody to get off
You're singing with a broken string tell me what you really mean
Do you know what you want?
While beating up on yesterday, I was on my rollerblades
Rolling on moving on
You're singing with a broken string tell me what you really mean
Do you know what you want?
Do you know, oh no
We got to run with it
It will get better
And that leaves we're stuck together
Make your mind up
Know what you need to say before you shout at me
So take your seat 'cause standing only wears out feet
You're singing with a broken string, tell me what you really mean
Do you know what you want?
You're beating up on yesterday, I was on my rollerblades
Rolling on, moving on
You're singing with a broken string, tell me what you really mean
Do you know what you want?
Beating up on yesterday, I was on my rollerblades
Rolling on, moving on
Do you know what you want?
But I need to get it down on paper
It's in your face you're ready to blame
The first guy in line to catch the train
I'll save your seat
'Cause you don't stand for what you preach
You're singing with a broken string, tell me what you really mean,
Do you know what you want?
While beating up on yesterday, I was on my rollerblades
Rolling on moving on
It's time to take the time to create
'Cause you're running late the doors are closing
So tip your hat and you might get back
Whatever you need is up ahead
This train won't stop for anybody to get off
You're singing with a broken string tell me what you really mean
Do you know what you want?
While beating up on yesterday, I was on my rollerblades
Rolling on moving on
You're singing with a broken string tell me what you really mean
Do you know what you want?
Do you know, oh no
We got to run with it
It will get better
And that leaves we're stuck together
Make your mind up
Know what you need to say before you shout at me
So take your seat 'cause standing only wears out feet
You're singing with a broken string, tell me what you really mean
Do you know what you want?
You're beating up on yesterday, I was on my rollerblades
Rolling on, moving on
You're singing with a broken string, tell me what you really mean
Do you know what you want?
Beating up on yesterday, I was on my rollerblades
Rolling on, moving on
Do you know what you want?
Lyrics submitted by bananahero
Rollerblades Lyrics as written by Craig Dodds Eliza Caird
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Surprised nobody has commented! It was a free iTunes song at some point, and it's a pretty cute and fun tune.
I thought it was "you're singing with a broken string," or even "you see me with a broken string." Apparently I didn't listen closely enough, or made up my own meaning...
How I see it: The singer is has been with this person before, and doesn't trust they can change, especially since their words and actions are in conflict. The train is the singer... do I sense a little innuendo with the phrase "get off" ? It seems the singer ends up deciding "let's try it out again." However, the line "before you shout at me" sure seems like they will continue to have more badness up ahead.
The singer gets back with the person, but the future is very much up in the air... and the singer doesn't seem convinced that this is the best person for them.
It's a relationship that's gone stale and she's telling him that he needs to make up his damn mind - either stay and actually act like you care ("Take your seat..."), or leave. He's in between staying (sitting) and going (walking away) - he's just standing there. She's frustrated with the indecisiveness and is starting to move on already while they're still in the relationship. I think the whole "beating up on yesterday" line is about him saying he regrets the time spent in the relationship. And the train is a physical representation of him leaving - he keeps thinking he'll wait until it's easy to "get off" - when the train stops. She's saying it's not going to be easy, basically telling him to take the leap, tuck and roll.