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.
You're struttin' into town like you're slingin' a gun
Just a small town dude with a big city attitude
Honey are you lookin' for some trouble tonight, alright
You think you're so bad, drive the women folk wild
Shoot 'em all down with the flash of your pearly smile
Honey but you met your match tonight, oh, that's right
You think you'll knock me off my feet
'Til I'm flat on the floor
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
So come on baby, come on baby
Come on baby show me what that loaded gun is for
If you can give it, I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break
It's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count
And you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
You're an outlaw lover and I'm after your hide
Well, you ain't so strong
Won't be long 'til your hands are tied
Tonight I'm gonna take you in dead or alive, oh, that's right
You break the laws of love in the name of desire
Take ten steps back 'cause I'm ready, baby, aim and fire
Baby, there's nowhere you gonna run tonight, oh, that's right
Well, you've had your way with love
But it's the end of the day
Now a team of wild horses couldn't drag your heart away
So come on baby, come on baby
Come on baby you know there ain't nothing left to say
If you can give it, I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break
It's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count
And you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
You think you'll knock me off my feet
'Til I'm flat on the floor
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
So come on baby, come on baby
Come on baby, come on
If you can give it, I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break
It's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count
And you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
I'm gonna shoot you down Jesse James
Just a small town dude with a big city attitude
Honey are you lookin' for some trouble tonight, alright
You think you're so bad, drive the women folk wild
Shoot 'em all down with the flash of your pearly smile
Honey but you met your match tonight, oh, that's right
You think you'll knock me off my feet
'Til I'm flat on the floor
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
So come on baby, come on baby
Come on baby show me what that loaded gun is for
If you can give it, I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break
It's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count
And you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
You're an outlaw lover and I'm after your hide
Well, you ain't so strong
Won't be long 'til your hands are tied
Tonight I'm gonna take you in dead or alive, oh, that's right
You break the laws of love in the name of desire
Take ten steps back 'cause I'm ready, baby, aim and fire
Baby, there's nowhere you gonna run tonight, oh, that's right
Well, you've had your way with love
But it's the end of the day
Now a team of wild horses couldn't drag your heart away
So come on baby, come on baby
Come on baby you know there ain't nothing left to say
If you can give it, I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break
It's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count
And you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
You think you'll knock me off my feet
'Til I'm flat on the floor
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
So come on baby, come on baby
Come on baby, come on
If you can give it, I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break
It's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count
And you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
I'm gonna shoot you down Jesse James
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Just Like Jesse James Lyrics as written by Diane Eve Warren Desmond Child
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Realsongs
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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