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.
There it is, plain and simple. It destroyed itself without any of my slander. This is the lunacy by which we kneel. This is the doublespeak by which we kill. This is the inertia that keeps tradition feared. This is the absurdity by which we walk barefoot with shoes on our heads. Ponder this to get nearer to Nothing. On top of the world, think about it, there's Nothing. An unseasoned meal, monotone spirits, routine homily. Nothing has never been clearer. So kill a cat to keep logic at bay, then eat my body's finest and fell me how it tastes. Is it Nothing too? Does it stink like Nothing? Does it poison like Nothing?
Lyrics submitted by kibe
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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I believe that it's about religion and god. They're basically saying that religion is a mere expression of human weaknesses and absurd childish superstitions, which are great to keep people quiet ("This is the lunacy by which we kneel. This is the doublespeak by which we kill. This is the inertia that keeps tradition feared. This is the absurdity by which we walk barefoot with shoes on our heads.") and to make them committ atrocities ("So kill a cat to keep logic at bay"). Additionally, the lines "Ponder this to get nearer to Nothing. On top of the world, think about it, there's Nothing." definitely sound like atheist remarks. I wonder where the title comes from, though. Any ideas?
The title comes from a Zen Buddhist Koan titled "Nansen Kills a Cat", #14 in the Mumonkan: Once the monks of the eastern and western Zen halls in Nansen's temple were<br /> quarrelling about a cat. As he saw this, Nansen held up the cat and said, "You monks! If one of you can say a word, I will not slay the cat." No one could answer. Nansen cut the cat in two.