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.
If you had not committed such acts a curse like me would not be sent upon you.
God cannot be captured in a house of brick and stone.
Commanding the thoughts of millions.
Now the day of dread has come.
Disfigured their faces?
Nothing will save you.
You have the nerve.
You will be added to the pile of friends behind you.
As we storm the ramparts.
Your flesh will be my earth.
Feel the voice of thunder.
The time of dread has come.
Feel the weight of millions crashing down on your kingdom.
Armies of millions.
I am the law!
The bodies fill the void.
You think you're sly?
You're not.
Mountains and homes crumble.
Your death will be mine.
Bodies lay broken.
Penance fills the air.
The wind will take it all away in time.
All the false icons turned to dust.
To persecute for the cruelty.
The greed.
Old man speak for yourself.
Not for me.
They satiate.
They indulge.
This is to prove a point.
Armies of millions.
I am the law.
All false icons, turned to dust.
Don't you dare speak for me.
I can speak on my own.
Dread will prevail.
Dread will prevail.
God cannot be captured in a house of brick and stone.
Commanding the thoughts of millions.
Now the day of dread has come.
Disfigured their faces?
Nothing will save you.
You have the nerve.
You will be added to the pile of friends behind you.
As we storm the ramparts.
Your flesh will be my earth.
Feel the voice of thunder.
The time of dread has come.
Feel the weight of millions crashing down on your kingdom.
Armies of millions.
I am the law!
The bodies fill the void.
You think you're sly?
You're not.
Mountains and homes crumble.
Your death will be mine.
Bodies lay broken.
Penance fills the air.
The wind will take it all away in time.
All the false icons turned to dust.
To persecute for the cruelty.
The greed.
Old man speak for yourself.
Not for me.
They satiate.
They indulge.
This is to prove a point.
Armies of millions.
I am the law.
All false icons, turned to dust.
Don't you dare speak for me.
I can speak on my own.
Dread will prevail.
Dread will prevail.
Lyrics submitted by bloodjunkie
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
Perfect single. Seriously. Shit. This band is amazing. DREAD WILL PREVAIL DREAD WILL PREVAIL!
jonny davy is in this song.