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.
I like to swim
Where I can see the bottom
But where is the challenge
In swimming all alone
When I get the feeling
Like I am being hunted
A rush of adrenaline
Propels me home
As I'm doing the backstroke
Down Alligator Alley
Flipping to freestyle
Try to pick up some speed
Ain't no time for breaststroke
Got to get my ass to the other side
Swimming like a speed boat
So I don't die
Swim for your life
The eyes in the back of my head
Are constantly scoping
Looking for the choppers
That are looking for me
I mean not to threaten
I'm only searching for excitement
As I bolt cut the fencing
And I set Willie free
Yeah, that was me
As I'm doing the backstroke
Down Alligator Alley
Flipping to freestyle
Try to pick up some speed
Ain't no time for breaststroke
Got to get my ass to the other side
Swimming like a speed boat
So I don't die
Swim for your life
I'm physically shackled
But you could never chain
Or restrain my mind
Sporting a straight jacket
After my insanity plea
Ignoring all the racket
Of conventional reality
As I'm doing the backstroke
Down Alligator Alley
Flipping to freestyle
Try to pick up some speed
Ain't no time for breaststroke
Got to get my ass to the other side
Swimming like a speed boat
So I don't die
Swim for your life
Where I can see the bottom
But where is the challenge
In swimming all alone
When I get the feeling
Like I am being hunted
A rush of adrenaline
Propels me home
As I'm doing the backstroke
Down Alligator Alley
Flipping to freestyle
Try to pick up some speed
Ain't no time for breaststroke
Got to get my ass to the other side
Swimming like a speed boat
So I don't die
Swim for your life
The eyes in the back of my head
Are constantly scoping
Looking for the choppers
That are looking for me
I mean not to threaten
I'm only searching for excitement
As I bolt cut the fencing
And I set Willie free
Yeah, that was me
As I'm doing the backstroke
Down Alligator Alley
Flipping to freestyle
Try to pick up some speed
Ain't no time for breaststroke
Got to get my ass to the other side
Swimming like a speed boat
So I don't die
Swim for your life
I'm physically shackled
But you could never chain
Or restrain my mind
Sporting a straight jacket
After my insanity plea
Ignoring all the racket
Of conventional reality
As I'm doing the backstroke
Down Alligator Alley
Flipping to freestyle
Try to pick up some speed
Ain't no time for breaststroke
Got to get my ass to the other side
Swimming like a speed boat
So I don't die
Swim for your life
Lyrics submitted by brittaful
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