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.
Tell me where you've been to point me to the door
I've seen you around but I really can't be sure
And all the hatchet men busy climbing up the wall
Banging on the window tearing down the hall
And the last chance girl in a first dance swirl
Leans her head down on the wooden floor
Won't be dancing anymore
And where do they go when the thrills have gone?
And the last song plays down at Babylon
Five hundred kids shout "what's the deal?"
It's a very confusing way to feel
The radio is silent except for wicked bands
Sounding like the last one always in demand
And now the city is off limits to everyone in blue
Nothing getting in there no one's getting through
And it's no surprise, when the last light dies
And the girl upon the wooden floor
Won't be dancing anymore
And where do they go when the thrills have gone?
And the last song plays down at Babylon
Five hundred kids shout "what's the deal?"
It's a very confusing way to feel
Ah, ah, ah...
I've seen you around but I really can't be sure
And all the hatchet men busy climbing up the wall
Banging on the window tearing down the hall
And the last chance girl in a first dance swirl
Leans her head down on the wooden floor
Won't be dancing anymore
And where do they go when the thrills have gone?
And the last song plays down at Babylon
Five hundred kids shout "what's the deal?"
It's a very confusing way to feel
The radio is silent except for wicked bands
Sounding like the last one always in demand
And now the city is off limits to everyone in blue
Nothing getting in there no one's getting through
And it's no surprise, when the last light dies
And the girl upon the wooden floor
Won't be dancing anymore
And where do they go when the thrills have gone?
And the last song plays down at Babylon
Five hundred kids shout "what's the deal?"
It's a very confusing way to feel
Ah, ah, ah...
Lyrics submitted by medicinalmedicine
Milk and Money Lyrics as written by John Lawler
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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This song gives me chills. Especially the verse that goes "and the last chance girl in her first dance swirl lays her head down on the wooden floor, won't be dancing any more." It simply delights me.
Love this Song. It gives me the chills. I have an interpretation but it's not totally right and I'm sure of it. I think what he means with the whole song, is that good real music is gone. The traditions are now in the past:
Tell me where you've been to point me to the door; I've seen you around but I really can't be sure -
Here he is talking to this good old music. He asks where the music has been and thinks he has seen it around (hear it sometime) but he isn´t sure.
And all the hatchet men busy climbing up the wall; Banging on the window tearing down the hall -
The Hatchet Men would be the authors of these new songs, they are hatchet because his task is "horrible". I think here he is beeing ironic. Like there are doing something that he doesn't like (that's terrible), bringing music to such a low level like that. Here is where I know I'm wrong: The wall they climb could be Trumps wall, because they are in the mayority Latinos. But that´s totally mistaken because this song came out in 2006 when Trump wasn't thinking of walls and mexicans. Then it's obvious: banging down the window, because they have lots of money and girls to fu**.
The last chance girl would be some girl, who dances with a piano on stage (the wooden floor) like before. But she sees that it isn´t appreciated any more, that´s why she leans her head down. She knows this will be her last show.
The thrills that old good deep music caused in people. Babylon: It is the capital of Babylonia, a really important city in th ancient time. This city was the best of the best. It was perfect, and then it got destroyed. I think that's the reason why it shows up here. The music was perfect and now they ruined it by making it pure comercial content. The 500 kids cuold either mean the children choirs or the huge amount of kids that went nuts due to great music. Of course he is confused (and so am I)
The only thing that sound in the radio are this bands from nowadays that are always famous because of just one song, that everybody listens to. "Always in demand"
I think everyone in blue means the human, who listen or play blues. They had no chance of enterning the music world of today
It has a double meaning: the literal light that tunrs off when the show comes to an end & the last light of hope that music is going to survive. And now she confirms it. She won't be dancing anymore
Then the freacking awesome last part with the piano, guitarr, drums and more I think also means: This is how you make music, you suckass!
Again. It is my interpretation of today. I know there are somethings thar are new, so they coulden't have tought about them (or could them 0¿0) but it's what I understand. Wonderful song, great band
i love this,, i espcailly love the piano drums everything part at the end
This is an utterly amazing song. It's probably my favorite from Here We Stand.
It seems to be about having your delusions shattered, the loss of naivette and innocence. Maybe at a concert? Kids realizing the capitalistic nature of our world, at a concert shouting "what's the deal?" with all the bands on the radio sounding the same. The girl realizes the commercialism and loss of art and meaning while on the dancefloor so she won't be dancing anymore.
"And now the city is off limits To everyone in blue"
Maybe a reference to Rangers FC supporters?
I'm hearing "and it's not surprise when the last LIGHT dies" Anyone else hear that or am I trippin'?
jup you're right...although tripping isnt the worst that could happen to you ;)
Is it just me that hears it as "all the hatchet men are busy" rather than "action men"
Either way, a great song! Definitely one of the best from Here We Stand
I think it is about an execution of a girl. A girls head is chopping off or something like that. Otherwise, playing song would not be the last song. For her.