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 first meet this man by the Capen street Tracks
In no shape for success headed nowhere to fast
He may have been someone once by the sound of his call
Now he answers to no one
NO-ONE AT ALL!
We all die alone, he shouted as he passed
with no sense of regret, see he never looked back
For his pride was wounded, his ego was strong
Yea that was his Trouble and this is his Song
You said we die alone, in this case you were right
No friends by your side or family in sight
There'll be no talking your way out this time
So don't count the cash cause you leave it behind
His friends come and go like the seasons and tide
He can't keep a women they all realize
He loves them, leaves them, takes what he needs
He's loyal to no one, no one at all
You were brought up well still in spite of it all
You're touched by nothing, watch a man fall
Put a foot on his back to get a better view
Cause your loyal to No-one. NO-ONE BUT YOU!
You said we die alone, in this case you were right
No friends by your side or family in sight
There'll be no talking your way out this time
So don't count the cash cause you leave it behind
He was broken and tired wouldn't take a hand
Their kindness was simple but he couldn't understand
See it's hard to have faith in something so new
When your loyal to no one, NO-ONE BUT YOU!
You said we die alone, in this case you were right
No friends by your side or family in sight
There'll be no talking your way out this time
So don't count the cash cause you leave it behind
You said we die alone, in this case you were right
No friends by your side or family in sight
In no shape for success headed nowhere to fast
He may have been someone once by the sound of his call
Now he answers to no one
NO-ONE AT ALL!
We all die alone, he shouted as he passed
with no sense of regret, see he never looked back
For his pride was wounded, his ego was strong
Yea that was his Trouble and this is his Song
You said we die alone, in this case you were right
No friends by your side or family in sight
There'll be no talking your way out this time
So don't count the cash cause you leave it behind
His friends come and go like the seasons and tide
He can't keep a women they all realize
He loves them, leaves them, takes what he needs
He's loyal to no one, no one at all
You were brought up well still in spite of it all
You're touched by nothing, watch a man fall
Put a foot on his back to get a better view
Cause your loyal to No-one. NO-ONE BUT YOU!
You said we die alone, in this case you were right
No friends by your side or family in sight
There'll be no talking your way out this time
So don't count the cash cause you leave it behind
He was broken and tired wouldn't take a hand
Their kindness was simple but he couldn't understand
See it's hard to have faith in something so new
When your loyal to no one, NO-ONE BUT YOU!
You said we die alone, in this case you were right
No friends by your side or family in sight
There'll be no talking your way out this time
So don't count the cash cause you leave it behind
You said we die alone, in this case you were right
No friends by your side or family in sight
Lyrics submitted by gatsby14, edited by Mellow_Harsher
Loyal to No One Lyrics as written by James P. Lynch Alexander Barr
Lyrics © SPIRIT TWO SMA
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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Well, I cannot speak for the song's writer, but I must disagree with you Clubby123. This song does not so much seem like it is about someone selfish who has everything given to him. It seems to be speaking of someone who takes only what he needs, but will not settle with the worst of things. He is emotionless and does not take pity on anyone else, because he already knows that HIS life is difficult enough. He will climb over someone in his way but doesn't do anything for pride or fortunes, as is obvious from the key verses "Don't count the cash because you leave it behind" so he clearly does not consider this important. He is a survivor, in spite of what the world throws at him he grudgingly walks on, undeterred. The song is clearly talking about the kind of person who people would offer to help, but the kind of person who would REFUSE assistance, a sort of pride thing which the band must be familiar with, being Irish and all it's part of their culture. It is better to fail at something than to succeed because another helped you. He may be selfish in a way, but it isn't really clear. the line "You were brought up well" probably does not mean that he had a great childhood, and was likely meaning that he was raised well, not that his lifestyle was well. "We all die alone" is also a motto of mine, and I ain't afraid of death, I actually WELCOME her with open arms. This is what makes me a Dullahan.
absolutely great song. one of my favourite from Dropkick Murphys.
pretty sure Dullahan is on target. sounds like a man that once had something to live for by the lyrics "he may have been someone once" and "you were brought up well". then for some reason his perspective on life changed completely. for example how easily other people can betray, or he saw how cruel life can be - i cannot tell, pure speculation.
i like the lyrics because they are kinda right about life. in the end we all die alone and that's it. in the end a homeless man that spent his life on the pavement is the same sack of shit as a multi-billionaire that thinks his life has been lived to the max.
I don't know why, but this song always makes me think of Jack Bauer in 24. In any case it's one of my favorite Dropkick Murphys songs and one of my favorite to play as well.
This is about a man who has been given everything and is incredably selfish and just takes what he wants with no regard to how people feel for him or what he is doing to them...