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.
After defying the grip of the hangman's noose
And recovering my cognisance
Spun a compass north by northwest
And took levity out for a long slow dance
Took a good look around, what did I see?
A big red tent and people comin' in like the tide of the sea
I ducked in to catch the shade
Preacher jumped up all ablaze
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy hon'
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya' some.
Ten thousand witnesses
Show 'em how it's done, son
Fist full of cottonmouth
Rock that podium
Walk on the ashes
No half-steppin', kid
Their fans are flashin', in expectation
Alright now
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy son
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya some.
While livin' on the lamb, it all cut loose
No more of the saints march on in
Gonna find my executioners
And show 'em exactly what it mean to live
Ten thousand witnesses
Show 'em how it's done, son
Fist full of cottonmouth
Rock that podium
Walk on the ashes
No half-steppin', kid
Their fans are flashin', in expectation
Alright now
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy hon
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya some.
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy hon
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya some.
And recovering my cognisance
Spun a compass north by northwest
And took levity out for a long slow dance
Took a good look around, what did I see?
A big red tent and people comin' in like the tide of the sea
I ducked in to catch the shade
Preacher jumped up all ablaze
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy hon'
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya' some.
Ten thousand witnesses
Show 'em how it's done, son
Fist full of cottonmouth
Rock that podium
Walk on the ashes
No half-steppin', kid
Their fans are flashin', in expectation
Alright now
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy son
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya some.
While livin' on the lamb, it all cut loose
No more of the saints march on in
Gonna find my executioners
And show 'em exactly what it mean to live
Ten thousand witnesses
Show 'em how it's done, son
Fist full of cottonmouth
Rock that podium
Walk on the ashes
No half-steppin', kid
Their fans are flashin', in expectation
Alright now
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy hon
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya some.
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy hon
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya some.
Lyrics submitted by almostmanda
10,000 Witnesses Lyrics as written by Jean-paul Gaster Dan Maines
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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