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 met my new neighbor
Had a drink on her veranda
We watched the ocean
Batter Bonita Point
“Do you have any children?”
The air around us changed
As grief washed across her face
White dove
What are you thinking of?
“We had a daughter
Disappeared at eight
We gave them money
All we could do was wait
She’s found garroted and bound”
White dove
What are you thinking of?
Don’t come around here no more
It’s not about mercy
Not about tears anymore
White dove
What are you thinking of?
Sword of vengeance
Occupies my mind
Who could do such a horrible crime?
Across the qadaas
They’re killing off our side
Walking bombs they don’t
Wear camouflage
Had a drink on her veranda
We watched the ocean
Batter Bonita Point
“Do you have any children?”
The air around us changed
As grief washed across her face
White dove
What are you thinking of?
“We had a daughter
Disappeared at eight
We gave them money
All we could do was wait
She’s found garroted and bound”
White dove
What are you thinking of?
Don’t come around here no more
It’s not about mercy
Not about tears anymore
White dove
What are you thinking of?
Sword of vengeance
Occupies my mind
Who could do such a horrible crime?
Across the qadaas
They’re killing off our side
Walking bombs they don’t
Wear camouflage
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It's such a great song though, so powerful with the white dove symbolizing peace, when, in fact, the song is anything but peaceful. Actually quite disturbing.