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.
Robotic return to the hand that feeds
With no concern for the wounds that bleed
Moving forward like a leaderless soldier
Someday you’ll move on but it’s never over
Take your restraints off
Forget your war’s lost
Better keep your fingers crossed
You’ll need the luck
And just carry on
Stand at ease
You will do just as they please
You’re sick and time’s run out
With new found sense of doubt
Like a walking time bomb maybe
Now he sees that freedom's not so free
Your soul is up for hire
Your smoke never meant fire
You take the good, completely numb
Accept the worst, a rule of thumb
Can’t feel the hurt set in
And just carry on
Stand at ease
You will do just as they please
You’re sick and time’s run out
With new found sense of doubt
Like a walking time bomb maybe
Now he sees that freedom's not so free
All rise, all rise
Dismissed by judge and jury
All lies, all lies
Strayed paths result in fury
You’re sick and time’s run out
With new found sense of doubt
Like a walking time bomb maybe
Now he sees that freedom's not so free
With no concern for the wounds that bleed
Moving forward like a leaderless soldier
Someday you’ll move on but it’s never over
Take your restraints off
Forget your war’s lost
Better keep your fingers crossed
You’ll need the luck
And just carry on
Stand at ease
You will do just as they please
You’re sick and time’s run out
With new found sense of doubt
Like a walking time bomb maybe
Now he sees that freedom's not so free
Your soul is up for hire
Your smoke never meant fire
You take the good, completely numb
Accept the worst, a rule of thumb
Can’t feel the hurt set in
And just carry on
Stand at ease
You will do just as they please
You’re sick and time’s run out
With new found sense of doubt
Like a walking time bomb maybe
Now he sees that freedom's not so free
All rise, all rise
Dismissed by judge and jury
All lies, all lies
Strayed paths result in fury
You’re sick and time’s run out
With new found sense of doubt
Like a walking time bomb maybe
Now he sees that freedom's not so free
Lyrics submitted by punkpirate
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