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.
The best years of his life, is what he gave to you.
Never late a day, he's been faithful and true.
Putting out the tombstones and digging down the graves.
For over thirty years now and I can't believe you have the nerve to say, that you're gonna have to cut his pay.
'Cause one of your priests did such an awful thing.
Lightning bolt, oh lightning bolt, why don't you strike them down?
For what they did they deserve to be a black spot in the ground.
And if there is a god, up there in the clouds, I can't imagine a better time to show his wrath than now.
Somehow, these monsters all seem higher than the law.
They won't see any punishment at all.
He didn't give a damn about your god or your church.
He was just an honest man looking for some honest work.
And in his little finger, he has more purity, than a whole church-load full of your child-molesting priests.
It seems you're making him pay for the guilty sins.
Thirty years, and that's the thanks he gets.
It's hard to imagine there could be a greater sin,
Than using your trust for abusing a kid.
As hard as it may seem, well I think that there is and you're committing it, by protecting these old evil men.
And if there really is a judgement day, you'll have a whole lot to explain.
Lightning bolt, oh lightning bolt, why don't you strike them down?
For what they did they deserve to be a black spot in the ground.
And if there is a god, waiting up there in the clouds, I can't imagine a better time to show his wrath than now.
Somehow, these monsters all seem higher than the law.
They won't see any punishment at all
Never late a day, he's been faithful and true.
Putting out the tombstones and digging down the graves.
For over thirty years now and I can't believe you have the nerve to say, that you're gonna have to cut his pay.
'Cause one of your priests did such an awful thing.
Lightning bolt, oh lightning bolt, why don't you strike them down?
For what they did they deserve to be a black spot in the ground.
And if there is a god, up there in the clouds, I can't imagine a better time to show his wrath than now.
Somehow, these monsters all seem higher than the law.
They won't see any punishment at all.
He didn't give a damn about your god or your church.
He was just an honest man looking for some honest work.
And in his little finger, he has more purity, than a whole church-load full of your child-molesting priests.
It seems you're making him pay for the guilty sins.
Thirty years, and that's the thanks he gets.
It's hard to imagine there could be a greater sin,
Than using your trust for abusing a kid.
As hard as it may seem, well I think that there is and you're committing it, by protecting these old evil men.
And if there really is a judgement day, you'll have a whole lot to explain.
Lightning bolt, oh lightning bolt, why don't you strike them down?
For what they did they deserve to be a black spot in the ground.
And if there is a god, waiting up there in the clouds, I can't imagine a better time to show his wrath than now.
Somehow, these monsters all seem higher than the law.
They won't see any punishment at all
Lyrics submitted by BobGnarly
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.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Ghost Mice cover from their split.