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.
Well I know
I could be just another stranger
But to you
I guess I'm just another fool
And you swear
You like to live your life in danger
Then you hide
Behind a wall of silly rules
Nobody thinks the way I do
I guess that nobody cares
Your head's so full of things
So set your mind free of them
I'm breaking the rules
Did you know?
That in the truth there's nothing stranger
I suppose
You think, I think I know it all
Nobody hears the things I say
I guess that nobody cares
My head's so full of things
I set my mind free of them
I'm breaking the rules
Breakin' all the rules
Can't you see they're nothing without you?
Empty heads full of fools
Now you see I'm breaking all the rules
Breakin' all the rules
Well I know
That you would love to go to Heaven
But you know
That you're just too afraid to die
And I know
That you would love to know the answers
But to you
The truth is just another lie
Nobody hears the things I say
I guess that nobody cares
My head's so full of things
I set my mind free of them
I'm breaking the rules
Breakin' all the rules
Can't you see they're nothing without you?
Empty heads full of fools
Now you see I'm breaking all the rules
Breakin' all the rules
Breakin' all the rules
(Why don't you tell to them?)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Breakin' all the rules
(Why don't you get it on?)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Breakin' all the rules
(All right)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Breakin' all the rules
(All right now)
Breakin' all the rules
([Incomprehensible])
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now let me tell you now)
Breakin' all the rules
(Let's go all crazy)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Yeah!
I could be just another stranger
But to you
I guess I'm just another fool
And you swear
You like to live your life in danger
Then you hide
Behind a wall of silly rules
Nobody thinks the way I do
I guess that nobody cares
Your head's so full of things
So set your mind free of them
I'm breaking the rules
Did you know?
That in the truth there's nothing stranger
I suppose
You think, I think I know it all
Nobody hears the things I say
I guess that nobody cares
My head's so full of things
I set my mind free of them
I'm breaking the rules
Breakin' all the rules
Can't you see they're nothing without you?
Empty heads full of fools
Now you see I'm breaking all the rules
Breakin' all the rules
Well I know
That you would love to go to Heaven
But you know
That you're just too afraid to die
And I know
That you would love to know the answers
But to you
The truth is just another lie
Nobody hears the things I say
I guess that nobody cares
My head's so full of things
I set my mind free of them
I'm breaking the rules
Breakin' all the rules
Can't you see they're nothing without you?
Empty heads full of fools
Now you see I'm breaking all the rules
Breakin' all the rules
Breakin' all the rules
(Why don't you tell to them?)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Breakin' all the rules
(Why don't you get it on?)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Breakin' all the rules
(All right)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Breakin' all the rules
(All right now)
Breakin' all the rules
([Incomprehensible])
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now let me tell you now)
Breakin' all the rules
(Let's go all crazy)
Breakin' all the rules
(Now come on, now come on)
Yeah!
Lyrics submitted by ChildOfAcid
Breaking All The Rules Lyrics as written by John Terence Sinclair John Osbourne
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
WHAT?? ITS JUST OZZY BEING OZZY! HE'S JUST A ROCK N' ROLL REBEL RIGHT?