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, you can stake that claim
Good work is the key to good fortune
Winners take that praise
Losers seldom take that blame
If they don't take that game
And sometimes the winner takes nothing
We draw our own designs
But fortune has to make that frame
We go out in the world and take our chances
Fate is just the weight of circumstances
That's the way that Lady Luck dances
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Faith is cold as ice
Why are little ones born only to suffer
For the want of immunity
Or a bowl of rice?
Well, who would hold a price
On the heads of the innocent children
If there's some immortal power
To control the dice?
We come into the world and take our chances
Fate is just the weight of circumstances
That's the way that lady luck dances
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Jack, relax
Get busy with the facts
No zodiacs or almanacs
No maniacs in polyester slacks
Just the facts
Gonna kick some gluteus max
It's a parallax, you dig?
You move around
The small gets big, it's a rig
It's action, reaction
Random interaction
So who's afraid
Of a little abstraction?
Can't get no satisfaction
From the facts?
You better run, homeboy
A fact's a fact
From Nome to Rome, boy
What's the deal? Spin the wheel
If the dice are hot, take a shot
Play your cards, show us what you got
What you're holding
If the cards are cold
Don't go folding
Lady Luck is golden
She favors the bold, that's cold
Stop throwing stones
The night has a thousand saxophones
So get out there and rock
And roll the bones
Get busy
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Good work is the key to good fortune
Winners take that praise
Losers seldom take that blame
If they don't take that game
And sometimes the winner takes nothing
We draw our own designs
But fortune has to make that frame
We go out in the world and take our chances
Fate is just the weight of circumstances
That's the way that Lady Luck dances
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Faith is cold as ice
Why are little ones born only to suffer
For the want of immunity
Or a bowl of rice?
Well, who would hold a price
On the heads of the innocent children
If there's some immortal power
To control the dice?
We come into the world and take our chances
Fate is just the weight of circumstances
That's the way that lady luck dances
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Jack, relax
Get busy with the facts
No zodiacs or almanacs
No maniacs in polyester slacks
Just the facts
Gonna kick some gluteus max
It's a parallax, you dig?
You move around
The small gets big, it's a rig
It's action, reaction
Random interaction
So who's afraid
Of a little abstraction?
Can't get no satisfaction
From the facts?
You better run, homeboy
A fact's a fact
From Nome to Rome, boy
What's the deal? Spin the wheel
If the dice are hot, take a shot
Play your cards, show us what you got
What you're holding
If the cards are cold
Don't go folding
Lady Luck is golden
She favors the bold, that's cold
Stop throwing stones
The night has a thousand saxophones
So get out there and rock
And roll the bones
Get busy
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
I agree with Z22 I this the song is great...but I hate the hip hop part...its just...well...its not Rush
I love the rest of the song though. I like the message...to take chances in life and live by the moment...stop asking why...just go with flow... and the beat of the song is amazing
but...just that stupid voice that comes in late of the song makes this one of my least favorite Rush songs...I've heard A LOT of Rush songs and all the ones I've heard I have loved! That voice though...ahhh...just makes this song go towards the bottom of my favorite Rush songs