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.
Seems we're in a tight spot
It's too long since the war stopped
And there's no time left to lend a hand
And look who’s at the wheel with Uncle Sam
Dancing in the daylight
Morning's such a bright night
Same sky where children play
Play their games half a world away
Light filled the sky
But I can't remember why
Ring around the rosie
Your pockets full of holes deep
Lost it all while you sleep
And there's even less for those out on the street
It just doesn't seem right
Standing in the twilight
Waiting for the polls to close
The shows run by the one nobody chose
Light filled the sky
But I can't remember why
Night came to stay
And it's always been this way
Seems we're in a tight spot
It's too long since the bomb dropped
And there's no time left to lend a hand
And look who’s at the wheel with Uncle Sam
The war hawks circle high above the lamb
A wolf in sheep's clothing takes a stand
Waiting for the polls to close
The shows run by the one nobody chose
There's no time left to lend a hand
And look whose at the wheel with Uncle Sam
Light filled the sky
But I can't remember why
Night came to stay
And it's always been this way
Light filled the sky
Now there's no one left to cry
Night came to stay
And it's always been this way
It's too long since the war stopped
And there's no time left to lend a hand
And look who’s at the wheel with Uncle Sam
Dancing in the daylight
Morning's such a bright night
Same sky where children play
Play their games half a world away
Light filled the sky
But I can't remember why
Ring around the rosie
Your pockets full of holes deep
Lost it all while you sleep
And there's even less for those out on the street
It just doesn't seem right
Standing in the twilight
Waiting for the polls to close
The shows run by the one nobody chose
Light filled the sky
But I can't remember why
Night came to stay
And it's always been this way
Seems we're in a tight spot
It's too long since the bomb dropped
And there's no time left to lend a hand
And look who’s at the wheel with Uncle Sam
The war hawks circle high above the lamb
A wolf in sheep's clothing takes a stand
Waiting for the polls to close
The shows run by the one nobody chose
There's no time left to lend a hand
And look whose at the wheel with Uncle Sam
Light filled the sky
But I can't remember why
Night came to stay
And it's always been this way
Light filled the sky
Now there's no one left to cry
Night came to stay
And it's always been this way
Lyrics submitted by VampedVixen
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