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.
What is it to love?
What is it to feel?
Am I all alone?
Does it hurt to touch?
It doesn't hurt enough
What if I can't tell why you just keep looking up?
Is it the moon and stars above?
What makes you cry?
What makes you hurt?
Is it the moon and stars above?
What makes you hurt?
What makes you yearn for love?
Am I one of you?
Up against the wall, one move and we fall
But it's not my fault
Selfless as I stand
Someone takes your hand then leads me through the door
And to the moon and stars above
What makes you cry?
What makes you hurt?
Is it the moon and stars above?
What makes you hurt?
What makes you know it's love?
Never gonna find me now that I can float away, oh
It's just a lie
It's dreams that shatter
Never gonna find me now that I can float away, oh
It's just a lie
I'm afraid to leave
What else can I do?
I'm afraid to love
Somewhere in this life, motionless in time, someone holds a sign.
What is it to feel?
Am I all alone?
Does it hurt to touch?
It doesn't hurt enough
What if I can't tell why you just keep looking up?
Is it the moon and stars above?
What makes you cry?
What makes you hurt?
Is it the moon and stars above?
What makes you hurt?
What makes you yearn for love?
Am I one of you?
Up against the wall, one move and we fall
But it's not my fault
Selfless as I stand
Someone takes your hand then leads me through the door
And to the moon and stars above
What makes you cry?
What makes you hurt?
Is it the moon and stars above?
What makes you hurt?
What makes you know it's love?
Never gonna find me now that I can float away, oh
It's just a lie
It's dreams that shatter
Never gonna find me now that I can float away, oh
It's just a lie
I'm afraid to leave
What else can I do?
I'm afraid to love
Somewhere in this life, motionless in time, someone holds a sign.
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