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.
Everything you do it comes back to you. Whatever it may be.
If it isn't one thing rest assured that something.
Will come back and pay you for your deed
A shortcut's a self defeating means, if you cannot do it clean.
You'll never reach your reward.
And when the day is done, what you receive is the sum.
Of what you took out, from what you put in.
Times deep in a dream seem a veiled realm.
Shadows what I think and feel is real.
Times in our tribe feel the tribe when we thrive.
We have no fear of death and no fear of life.
[Chorus:]
I can't forget you and our version of paradise.
I can't forget you and our version of paradise.
Everything you do it comes back to you, whatever it may be.
What you did as a devil or did as an angel.
The favor returns itself somehow.
If you take my money I?l buy you a drink and you'll see.
That no one rides for free.
Afraid of what I said then your mind is stricken.
I'm wearing my heart sleeveless and I'm always up for kickin?
This is my favorite city pity everywhere the enemy.
From the beginning serious history
Nothing's ever given to no one. Rides for free.
From the beginning radiant energy's
Music what I need to keep my sanity.
I say we fear no evolution stand up musical revolution.
Follow me now when I say we can never stop in we never give.
Cause this is how we breathe and live.
Some of them whine and some of them bitch.
They cannot do it we never switch.
We do it for ourselves and we do it for you.
If you don't like it well I hope you do.
I've got to be honest.
[Chorus: x2]
If it isn't one thing rest assured that something.
Will come back and pay you for your deed
A shortcut's a self defeating means, if you cannot do it clean.
You'll never reach your reward.
And when the day is done, what you receive is the sum.
Of what you took out, from what you put in.
Times deep in a dream seem a veiled realm.
Shadows what I think and feel is real.
Times in our tribe feel the tribe when we thrive.
We have no fear of death and no fear of life.
[Chorus:]
I can't forget you and our version of paradise.
I can't forget you and our version of paradise.
Everything you do it comes back to you, whatever it may be.
What you did as a devil or did as an angel.
The favor returns itself somehow.
If you take my money I?l buy you a drink and you'll see.
That no one rides for free.
Afraid of what I said then your mind is stricken.
I'm wearing my heart sleeveless and I'm always up for kickin?
This is my favorite city pity everywhere the enemy.
From the beginning serious history
Nothing's ever given to no one. Rides for free.
From the beginning radiant energy's
Music what I need to keep my sanity.
I say we fear no evolution stand up musical revolution.
Follow me now when I say we can never stop in we never give.
Cause this is how we breathe and live.
Some of them whine and some of them bitch.
They cannot do it we never switch.
We do it for ourselves and we do it for you.
If you don't like it well I hope you do.
I've got to be honest.
[Chorus: x2]
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Should be
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