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.
At night I walk this stinkin' street past the crazies on my block
And I see the same old faces and I hear that same old talk
And I'm searching for the latest thing, a break in this routine
I'm talkin' some new kicks, ones like you ain't never seen
This is home, this is Mean Street
(This is) yes-ah home, the only one I know
And we don't worry 'bout tomorrow
'Cause we're sick of these four walls
Now what you think is nothin' might be somethin' after all
Now you know this ain't no through street, the end is dead ahead
The poor folks play for keeps down here, they're the living dead
Come on down (huh, ow) down (this is) to Mean Street
They're dancin' now, look, out on Mean Street
Dance, baby
It's always here and now my friend, it ain't once upon a time
It's all over but the shouting, I come to take what's mine
We're searchin' for the latest thing, a break in this routine
Talkin' some new kicks, ones like you ain't never seen
This is home (ooh) this is Mean Street
(This is) yes-ah home, only one I know
(This is home) see, a gun is real easy
(This is mean street) in this desperate part of town
(This is home) turns you from hunted into hunter (yeah)
(This is mean street) you go an' hunt somebody down
Wait a minute, ah (this is home) somebody said "Fair warning", lord
(This is mean street) lord, strike that poor boy down
And I see the same old faces and I hear that same old talk
And I'm searching for the latest thing, a break in this routine
I'm talkin' some new kicks, ones like you ain't never seen
This is home, this is Mean Street
(This is) yes-ah home, the only one I know
And we don't worry 'bout tomorrow
'Cause we're sick of these four walls
Now what you think is nothin' might be somethin' after all
Now you know this ain't no through street, the end is dead ahead
The poor folks play for keeps down here, they're the living dead
Come on down (huh, ow) down (this is) to Mean Street
They're dancin' now, look, out on Mean Street
Dance, baby
It's always here and now my friend, it ain't once upon a time
It's all over but the shouting, I come to take what's mine
We're searchin' for the latest thing, a break in this routine
Talkin' some new kicks, ones like you ain't never seen
This is home (ooh) this is Mean Street
(This is) yes-ah home, only one I know
(This is home) see, a gun is real easy
(This is mean street) in this desperate part of town
(This is home) turns you from hunted into hunter (yeah)
(This is mean street) you go an' hunt somebody down
Wait a minute, ah (this is home) somebody said "Fair warning", lord
(This is mean street) lord, strike that poor boy down
Lyrics submitted by UseYourIllusion
Mean Street Lyrics as written by Edward Van Halen Alex Van Halen
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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