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.
Creating a life only to destroy
Saved from a life of the unemployed
Where crime is the only way to survive
Which is the best to be dead or alive?
Maybe a chance but maybe not
Born to be thrown in the trash to rot
To exist in this world may be a mistake
The one who is with child, it's their choice to make
Death and life taken so easily
Right or wrong, whose choice will it be?
Abortion, when it is needed
Execution, for those who deserve it
The giving and taking of life will always be
Altering the future
[Solos: Shuldiner, Murphy]
Look into the future to prepare us for our fate
Controlling our existence with every life we take
Life for a life should remain the rule
The innocent victim that is what's cruel
Look to the past is what we should do
When justice was done and justice was true
Using our laws to help their escape
An easy way out is what they create
Claiming insane is the way to freedom
People are stupid enough to believe them
Death and life taken so easily
Right or wrong, whose choice will it be?
Abortion, when it is needed
Execution, for those who deserve it
The giving and taking of life will always be
Saved from a life of the unemployed
Where crime is the only way to survive
Which is the best to be dead or alive?
Maybe a chance but maybe not
Born to be thrown in the trash to rot
To exist in this world may be a mistake
The one who is with child, it's their choice to make
Death and life taken so easily
Right or wrong, whose choice will it be?
Abortion, when it is needed
Execution, for those who deserve it
The giving and taking of life will always be
Altering the future
[Solos: Shuldiner, Murphy]
Look into the future to prepare us for our fate
Controlling our existence with every life we take
Life for a life should remain the rule
The innocent victim that is what's cruel
Look to the past is what we should do
When justice was done and justice was true
Using our laws to help their escape
An easy way out is what they create
Claiming insane is the way to freedom
People are stupid enough to believe them
Death and life taken so easily
Right or wrong, whose choice will it be?
Abortion, when it is needed
Execution, for those who deserve it
The giving and taking of life will always be
Lyrics submitted by BLOODGASM
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