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.
Bad luck just weaves through the city
But it's keeping away from us
We move out a cone through the traffic
and Water Street is humming along
But me and Cecilia singing
and banging on the dashboard in time
Sing words on her father's gravestone
He's there in the humid light
Singing
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you
Now good luck's in town for the weekend
So we stumble around until dawn
And daylight just melts through the marrow
and the morning birds are humming along
Me and Cecilia singing
and stamping on the asphalt to prove
We're the children of strength and vigour
and we were born in the morning blue
Singing
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastard grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Jesus Murphy, and its Ava Maria
Crying send me the courage
Sing let me be delivered
Cause there's devils among us
There's devils living among us
Some have not got their teeth up
Some are ashes in your dust
and they're rotting your freeways
Locking they're front doors at dusk
and they're rasing their familes and
They're raising their fingers at us
But this is a good town
But this here is a heavy ancient thing
This is a new land
This is a thing you'll never see
And you're all Jesus Murphy, and it's Ava Maria
Crying "Send me the courage!"
Sing "Let me be delivered!"
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you
Bad luck just weaves through the city
But it's keeping away from us
But it's keeping away from us
We move out a cone through the traffic
and Water Street is humming along
But me and Cecilia singing
and banging on the dashboard in time
Sing words on her father's gravestone
He's there in the humid light
Singing
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you
Now good luck's in town for the weekend
So we stumble around until dawn
And daylight just melts through the marrow
and the morning birds are humming along
Me and Cecilia singing
and stamping on the asphalt to prove
We're the children of strength and vigour
and we were born in the morning blue
Singing
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastard grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Jesus Murphy, and its Ava Maria
Crying send me the courage
Sing let me be delivered
Cause there's devils among us
There's devils living among us
Some have not got their teeth up
Some are ashes in your dust
and they're rotting your freeways
Locking they're front doors at dusk
and they're rasing their familes and
They're raising their fingers at us
But this is a good town
But this here is a heavy ancient thing
This is a new land
This is a thing you'll never see
And you're all Jesus Murphy, and it's Ava Maria
Crying "Send me the courage!"
Sing "Let me be delivered!"
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you down
Don't let the bastards grind you
Bad luck just weaves through the city
But it's keeping away from us
Lyrics submitted by logical_poet
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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.
This band is just amazing, so underrated. The meaning of this song is pretty straightforward I think, don't let the bastards grind you down :P
Great, great song about Newfoundland, and St. John's in particular. Says a lot about Hey Rosetta!'s (and my) hometown.