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.
arrested - beaten black and blue confession - beaten out of you you didn't do it - but you still get the cell in prison - institiutionalised hell 23 houres - banged up day and night beatings - given out left and right by the screws who want to put you down degradation - they rub your face in the ground how many are imprisoned for a crime they didn't do don't think for one minute that it couldn't be me or you so if you feel you're tempted to just ignore this song put yourself in their place and write to right the wrong how many thousands of people all around the globe are imprisoned for crimes they never commited? how many more for their political beliefs? or simply because they have fallen foul of vicious, opressive legal systems that serve only to protect the wealthy and powerful elite? what is perhaps the cruellest blow of all to these people is when those of us on the outside simply sit back and allow them to rot in the cells. organisations like amnesty international and the anarchist black cross have shown that, by using our collective strength, we can get out many of these people. there is no excuse for inaction. at the time of recording, martin foran is on hungerstrike and john perotti is on fast to death - how many more lives must be screwed up and wasted before we face up to our responsibilities and work to support our sisters and brothers in captivity?
Lyrics submitted by jesssica
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