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 wasn’t put hear to eat no fucking dirt
Ain’t about to kiss nobody’s ass
You pay me now cause we won’t be here later
Think for myself and you call me trash
I wasn’t put here to do your dirty work
Swallow my pride, forget it
You want my life’s work, my total dedication
Death in return, forget it
Democracy sweet sounding word
Liberty, hand to hand
Feed them lies, no body counts
Make them fight for the land
Make them think that victory’s near
Even when we fall
Let them not see the casualties
That our deceit has spawned
[Chorus:]
Believe in no one but yourself
Trust in no one cursed is man
Why must we kill?
Why must we die?
Your logic reasons make me sick
And you’ll cause man’s demise
Never will I surrender
As long as I have the will to resist
Never will I surrender
As long as breath flows through me
My country ‘tis of thee
Has fooled us once again
Believed in you and you lied to me
Running smooth as planned
You say your fight’s for freedom
Land where our fathers died
Financing justice
While unfed babies cry
[Chorus]
South of the border you pry and instigate
Looking for another war and now you’ve found the place
It’s their trouble, their beliefs then why are we involved
Seeking war with bated breath look at the damage you’ve caused
Home of the brave, land of the free
Politicians help them selves
Cause they sure not helping me
[Chorus]
Ain’t about to kiss nobody’s ass
You pay me now cause we won’t be here later
Think for myself and you call me trash
I wasn’t put here to do your dirty work
Swallow my pride, forget it
You want my life’s work, my total dedication
Death in return, forget it
Democracy sweet sounding word
Liberty, hand to hand
Feed them lies, no body counts
Make them fight for the land
Make them think that victory’s near
Even when we fall
Let them not see the casualties
That our deceit has spawned
[Chorus:]
Believe in no one but yourself
Trust in no one cursed is man
Why must we kill?
Why must we die?
Your logic reasons make me sick
And you’ll cause man’s demise
Never will I surrender
As long as I have the will to resist
Never will I surrender
As long as breath flows through me
My country ‘tis of thee
Has fooled us once again
Believed in you and you lied to me
Running smooth as planned
You say your fight’s for freedom
Land where our fathers died
Financing justice
While unfed babies cry
[Chorus]
South of the border you pry and instigate
Looking for another war and now you’ve found the place
It’s their trouble, their beliefs then why are we involved
Seeking war with bated breath look at the damage you’ve caused
Home of the brave, land of the free
Politicians help them selves
Cause they sure not helping me
[Chorus]
Lyrics submitted by JackH83
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