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.
There was a hearing
The rules were broken by one
Followed by another
The evidence was presented
An overwhelming list of infractions
An overwhelming representation
Of one's malajustment to the system
The hearing was about him
About his attitude
About his behavior
He is, he represents
No, he embodies the problem
If he is expelled, the problem
Will go away
Responsibility
Relationship
Mutuality
Our solution
A person with a problem
I believe there's no such thing
As a person with a problem
If there is a problem it's a problem with the system
The system of home and family
Of school and community
He is not in this alone
He is not the problem
A reflection of the system
A mirror image of ourselves and our work
We acknowledge not all kids fit
Our ancillary design
And when they don't fit
They become the problem
The problem
Expel the problem
Make it go away
Expel the problem
Make it go away, make it go away
Make it go away
The rules were broken by one
Followed by another
The evidence was presented
An overwhelming list of infractions
An overwhelming representation
Of one's malajustment to the system
The hearing was about him
About his attitude
About his behavior
He is, he represents
No, he embodies the problem
If he is expelled, the problem
Will go away
Responsibility
Relationship
Mutuality
Our solution
A person with a problem
I believe there's no such thing
As a person with a problem
If there is a problem it's a problem with the system
The system of home and family
Of school and community
He is not in this alone
He is not the problem
A reflection of the system
A mirror image of ourselves and our work
We acknowledge not all kids fit
Our ancillary design
And when they don't fit
They become the problem
The problem
Expel the problem
Make it go away
Expel the problem
Make it go away, make it go away
Make it go away
Lyrics submitted by gasmask
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