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 went down to my tailor, to get myself a suit, and to measure
It's been a long long time since I looked like a gentlemen of leisure
He spent an awful lot of time on my inside leg
You don't get that kind of treatment when you buy stuff of the peg
When I finally picked it up and saw the label inside
I saw a sight that made my mouth gape open wide.
It said made in Japan
Made in Japan
Their ain't nothing made here in this country anymore
Try the made in Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore
Made in Japan
I went along to the showroom to buy myself a secondhand car
I didn't have much money so I knew I wouldn't get very far
The salesman said " how much do intend to spend,
You only get what you pay for, in the end"
He said "you can't afford a Bentley or a Cadillac
But take a look at this motor I've got out back.
It said made in Japan
Made in Japan
Their ain't nothing made here in this country anymore
Try the made in Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore
Made in Japan
Me and my girl last week we went to church and got wed
I didn't bother cost so I decided I'd get married instead
We went to Miami for the honeymoon
I couldn't wait to get her in the hotel room
But when she came out of the bathroom,
My knees turned to jelly
Well I saw what she had tattooed just below her belly.
It said made in Japan
Made in Japan
Their ain't nothing made here in this country anymore
Try the made in Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore
Made in Japan
It's been a long long time since I looked like a gentlemen of leisure
He spent an awful lot of time on my inside leg
You don't get that kind of treatment when you buy stuff of the peg
When I finally picked it up and saw the label inside
I saw a sight that made my mouth gape open wide.
It said made in Japan
Made in Japan
Their ain't nothing made here in this country anymore
Try the made in Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore
Made in Japan
I went along to the showroom to buy myself a secondhand car
I didn't have much money so I knew I wouldn't get very far
The salesman said " how much do intend to spend,
You only get what you pay for, in the end"
He said "you can't afford a Bentley or a Cadillac
But take a look at this motor I've got out back.
It said made in Japan
Made in Japan
Their ain't nothing made here in this country anymore
Try the made in Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore
Made in Japan
Me and my girl last week we went to church and got wed
I didn't bother cost so I decided I'd get married instead
We went to Miami for the honeymoon
I couldn't wait to get her in the hotel room
But when she came out of the bathroom,
My knees turned to jelly
Well I saw what she had tattooed just below her belly.
It said made in Japan
Made in Japan
Their ain't nothing made here in this country anymore
Try the made in Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore
Made in Japan
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