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.
Nice girls not one with a defect, cellophane shrink-wrapped, so correct.
Red dogs under illegal legs, she looks so good that he gets down and begs.
She is watching the detectives, "oh, he's so cute!"
She is watching the detectives, when they shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot.
They beat him up until the teardrops start,
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart.
Long shot of that jumping sign, visible shivers running down my spine.
Cut the baby taking off her clothes.
Close-up of the sign that says,"We never close"
You snatch a tune, you a match a cigarette,
She pulls the eyes out with a face like a magnet.
I don't know how much more of this I can take.
She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake.
She is watching the detectives
You think you're alone until you realize you're in it.
Now fear is here to stay. Love is here for a visit.
They call it instant justice when it's past the legal limit.
Someone's scratching at the window. I wonder who is it?
The detectives come to check if you belong to the parents
Who are ready to hear the worst about their daughter's disappearance.
Though it nearly took a miracle to get you to stay,
It only took my little fingers to blow you away.
Just like watching the detectives, don't get cute!"
It's just like watching the detectives.
I get so angry when the teardrops start,
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart.
Just like watching the detectives
Red dogs under illegal legs, she looks so good that he gets down and begs.
She is watching the detectives, "oh, he's so cute!"
She is watching the detectives, when they shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot.
They beat him up until the teardrops start,
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart.
Long shot of that jumping sign, visible shivers running down my spine.
Cut the baby taking off her clothes.
Close-up of the sign that says,"We never close"
You snatch a tune, you a match a cigarette,
She pulls the eyes out with a face like a magnet.
I don't know how much more of this I can take.
She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake.
She is watching the detectives
You think you're alone until you realize you're in it.
Now fear is here to stay. Love is here for a visit.
They call it instant justice when it's past the legal limit.
Someone's scratching at the window. I wonder who is it?
The detectives come to check if you belong to the parents
Who are ready to hear the worst about their daughter's disappearance.
Though it nearly took a miracle to get you to stay,
It only took my little fingers to blow you away.
Just like watching the detectives, don't get cute!"
It's just like watching the detectives.
I get so angry when the teardrops start,
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart.
Just like watching the detectives
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Watching the Detectives Lyrics as written by Elvis Costello
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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