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 thought I needed redemption
but I let that thought go
I guess I'll cut my losses and turn my ticks at the magic show
you spin your wheels through time
and get tired of the grind
I want to find a good man but
instead I settle for what I find
there are no real innocents,
no matter who's side your on
It's a littered path to paradise,
that will always steer you wrong
put your hands where I can seem em'
put your hands next to mine
I wanted something to believe in
before I got sold on the lie."
so get it in, throw in your cheap shots
cheap shot baby
isn't that all life really is, a bunch of have nots
and the gods will laugh when you think
you've found your lot and take it all away
isn't that all life really is, a bunch of cheap shots and
you give it what you've got
you give it what you've got
and the gods will laugh when you think
you've found your lot and take it all away
they'll take it all away away you fool,
oh they take it, take it all away
redemption purgatory redemption purgatory."
but I let that thought go
I guess I'll cut my losses and turn my ticks at the magic show
you spin your wheels through time
and get tired of the grind
I want to find a good man but
instead I settle for what I find
there are no real innocents,
no matter who's side your on
It's a littered path to paradise,
that will always steer you wrong
put your hands where I can seem em'
put your hands next to mine
I wanted something to believe in
before I got sold on the lie."
so get it in, throw in your cheap shots
cheap shot baby
isn't that all life really is, a bunch of have nots
and the gods will laugh when you think
you've found your lot and take it all away
isn't that all life really is, a bunch of cheap shots and
you give it what you've got
you give it what you've got
and the gods will laugh when you think
you've found your lot and take it all away
they'll take it all away away you fool,
oh they take it, take it all away
redemption purgatory redemption purgatory."
Lyrics submitted by brighteyes52
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