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.
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
And I know all the things you hide
Even though it's a good disguise
And I see all the things you do
But what you do will come back to you
You think we can't fight what the eyes can't see
Because you think we are blind in poverty
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
It's like you wants the people to kill
And fire gunshots and burn buildings to hell
No, after that you aren't gonna treat me well
It's like you have the people under a spell, Mr Devil
Talking to the people in the congress
A we vote you in, so you better do you best because
After that there's no contest
It's the state of the union address
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
Broadcasting lies on the television screen
Trying to get us hooked on your American dream
Up on your games if you know when you'll win
When you cheated on your wife with your moneys and your scheme
Thief will rule and no doubt he'll be followed
We are no fool and no call me no nigga
Do a good term and you deserve another
Signed musically yours, the general sleepywonder
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
And I know all the things you hide
Even though it's a good disguise
And I see all the things you do
But what you do will come back to you
You think we can't fight what the eyes can't see
Because you think we are blind in poverty
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
It's like you wants the people to kill
And fire gunshots and burn buildings to hell
No, after that you aren't gonna treat me well
It's like you have the people under a spell, Mr Devil
Talking to the people in the congress
A we vote you in, so you better do you best because
After that there's no contest
It's the state of the union address
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
Broadcasting lies on the television screen
Trying to get us hooked on your American dream
Up on your games if you know when you'll win
When you cheated on your wife with your moneys and your scheme
Thief will rule and no doubt he'll be followed
We are no fool and no call me no nigga
Do a good term and you deserve another
Signed musically yours, the general sleepywonder
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
People in the misery
Government or work or government
It makes a mockery
Respect to the youths
When they're in front and all dem back a me
Why you don't treat them like the way you should
Lyrics submitted by indiernr86
The State Of The Union Lyrics as written by Edmund Carl Aiken Jr. Dexter Archer
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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hmmm, the album of this song has a lot of political undertones... hey, i dont think i got the lyrics completely right so please correct them if im wrong haha