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.
Tonight we're gonna sing with the power of a thousand tongues
Tonight we're gonna blast with the power of a thousand guns
Tonight we're gonna shine with the power of a thousand suns
Because tonight we're singing the songs, busting these rhymes,
singing these words to everyone
Oh why would I deceive you
I'd never ever try to mislead you
You've got to have eyes in the back of your head
The next man he might try to cheat you
Tonight we're gonna climb the ladder of a thousand rungs
Tonight we're gonna take the breath of a thousand lungs
When you gonna see it doesn't matter if we're the only ones
Because tonight we're singing the songs, busting these rhymes,
singing these words to everyone
Oh why would you deceive me
Don't do it if you're just trying to please me
The world is made up of so many opinions
The thought of this is never gonna leave me
Tonight we're gonna sing with the power of a thousand tongues
Tonight we're gonna blast with the power of a thousand guns
Tonight we're gonna shine with the power of a thousand suns
Because tonight we're singing these here songs to everyone
Tonight we're gonna blast with the power of a thousand guns
Tonight we're gonna shine with the power of a thousand suns
Because tonight we're singing the songs, busting these rhymes,
singing these words to everyone
Oh why would I deceive you
I'd never ever try to mislead you
You've got to have eyes in the back of your head
The next man he might try to cheat you
Tonight we're gonna climb the ladder of a thousand rungs
Tonight we're gonna take the breath of a thousand lungs
When you gonna see it doesn't matter if we're the only ones
Because tonight we're singing the songs, busting these rhymes,
singing these words to everyone
Oh why would you deceive me
Don't do it if you're just trying to please me
The world is made up of so many opinions
The thought of this is never gonna leave me
Tonight we're gonna sing with the power of a thousand tongues
Tonight we're gonna blast with the power of a thousand guns
Tonight we're gonna shine with the power of a thousand suns
Because tonight we're singing these here songs to everyone
Lyrics submitted by sarahmorrison
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not sure about the other lines but the 2nd and 4th stance sounds like his relationship with a woman. in the 2nd he's saying obviously "why would i deceive you?" and then i think he says "the next man he might try to cheat you" to hint that she left him because she thought he was lying or maybe cheating? Then in the 4th stanza he says "why would you deceive (lie to) me, don't do it if you're just trying to please me" which basically means that he'd rather know the truth than be lied to even if he won't be happy.
Still trying to figure out the rest of the song but thats what i interpret from it so far. opinions?