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.
An Angel's kiss now fallen
Descending scarlet cuts the sky
Faded names left on the wall
Honor the fighting leave life to
Die
Remembered is the sacrifice but
No appraisal of blood still flowing
Who were the leaders?
What controlled the Killing Hand
That caused this mouthing?
Crossing over
Lowered deep into the sea
Being a waits to cleanse his soul
Senses weakening time is still
Motionless by stiffening cold
The wheels race back and
Scorch his mind
Traveling all to find the land
Revelation warms a touch
And now he will begin to
Understand
Extended a view to yesterday
Manifestation for none the same
Walking amidst a frightening still
No sound, no smoke, no scorching
Flames
He is risen
Sipping his poison the raven sings
Yet another to add more bodies
Fallen
King from below
This one controls
The Killing Hand that caused this
Mourning
Is it all over?
[IV. Thorns]
Evil genius this secret plan
Mercy dealt with the losing hand
Will he ever fall?
Can he end it all?
Our savior must make his stand
Only a Propher of years to come
Wanting mortality I'm all alone
He heard my voice
It was my choice
I've stopped the Killing Hand
When I go back again
Will it be the same?
I've stopped the cries
But now they know my name
The sea is calling me
My spirit must return
As I get closer,
Was it really worth
What I have learned?
I'm in the valley
And the saddened chimes I hear
Race towards the wall to find
One more name appears
No one is left now
My one and only land
I laugh at what I've done
I am the Killing Hand
Descending scarlet cuts the sky
Faded names left on the wall
Honor the fighting leave life to
Die
Remembered is the sacrifice but
No appraisal of blood still flowing
Who were the leaders?
What controlled the Killing Hand
That caused this mouthing?
Crossing over
Lowered deep into the sea
Being a waits to cleanse his soul
Senses weakening time is still
Motionless by stiffening cold
The wheels race back and
Scorch his mind
Traveling all to find the land
Revelation warms a touch
And now he will begin to
Understand
Extended a view to yesterday
Manifestation for none the same
Walking amidst a frightening still
No sound, no smoke, no scorching
Flames
He is risen
Sipping his poison the raven sings
Yet another to add more bodies
Fallen
King from below
This one controls
The Killing Hand that caused this
Mourning
Is it all over?
[IV. Thorns]
Evil genius this secret plan
Mercy dealt with the losing hand
Will he ever fall?
Can he end it all?
Our savior must make his stand
Only a Propher of years to come
Wanting mortality I'm all alone
He heard my voice
It was my choice
I've stopped the Killing Hand
When I go back again
Will it be the same?
I've stopped the cries
But now they know my name
The sea is calling me
My spirit must return
As I get closer,
Was it really worth
What I have learned?
I'm in the valley
And the saddened chimes I hear
Race towards the wall to find
One more name appears
No one is left now
My one and only land
I laugh at what I've done
I am the Killing Hand
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