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.
Battleflag in the bassinet
Oil and blood on the bayonet
Crowded downtown, hit the floor
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting for?
The world got smaller but the bombs got bigger
Holocaust on a hairpin trigger
Ain't no game so forget the score
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting for?
What will I tell my daughter?
What will you tell your son?
Where were all the doves?
That we were nothing but a shadow
A faceless generation devoid of love?
The crucifix ain't no baseball bat
Tell me what kind of god is that?
Ain't nothin' more godless than war
So what are we fighting for?
What are we fighting for? (...)
Oil and blood on the bayonet
Crowded downtown, hit the floor
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting for?
The world got smaller but the bombs got bigger
Holocaust on a hairpin trigger
Ain't no game so forget the score
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting for?
What will I tell my daughter?
What will you tell your son?
Where were all the doves?
That we were nothing but a shadow
A faceless generation devoid of love?
The crucifix ain't no baseball bat
Tell me what kind of god is that?
Ain't nothin' more godless than war
So what are we fighting for?
What are we fighting for? (...)
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
What Are We Fighting For? Lyrics as written by Chad David Taylor Chad Alan Gracey
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song has nothing in it but the truth. Awesome.
One of the finest songs I have ever heard. Deep and True
excelent song, deserves more fans
Beautiful
This song is beautiful its about the wars that we fight for an unnecesary cause (the crucifix aint no baseball bat) and how a god wouldnt want that
One of Live's best songs period. This song is so close to the truth in terms of how men have evolved warfare.