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 will not breakdown
(Tim Feehan, Joe Brooks, Gene Black)
Time was
You could start a revolution with this disillusion I feel
Time was
You would never make a fool of me
Can't see nothing but a violent solution
In this war of confusion in me
I should run from you but I never would be free
I will not breakdown (will you break down)
I will not stand still (are you standing still)
I will not fall to pieces on the floor
Just like you want me to
Time was
We could have a conversation without confrontation and tears
Time was
I wouldn't have to reminisce at all
This time I'm gonna make a move,
I'm gonna make an uphill climb
That's what I've been waiting for
Bad luck, I guess I'm not a bird in your cage no more
I will not breakdown (will you break down)
I will not stadn still (are you standing still)
I will not fall to pieces on the floor
Just like you want me to
There's nothing left for me
Can't you understand it
But something left us here just standing in the burning ashes
There's nothing left for me
It's not the way I planned it
But something left us here just buried in our circumstances
Time was
You could start a revolution with this disillusion I feel
Time was
You would never make a fool of me
(Tim Feehan, Joe Brooks, Gene Black)
Time was
You could start a revolution with this disillusion I feel
Time was
You would never make a fool of me
Can't see nothing but a violent solution
In this war of confusion in me
I should run from you but I never would be free
I will not breakdown (will you break down)
I will not stand still (are you standing still)
I will not fall to pieces on the floor
Just like you want me to
Time was
We could have a conversation without confrontation and tears
Time was
I wouldn't have to reminisce at all
This time I'm gonna make a move,
I'm gonna make an uphill climb
That's what I've been waiting for
Bad luck, I guess I'm not a bird in your cage no more
I will not breakdown (will you break down)
I will not stadn still (are you standing still)
I will not fall to pieces on the floor
Just like you want me to
There's nothing left for me
Can't you understand it
But something left us here just standing in the burning ashes
There's nothing left for me
It's not the way I planned it
But something left us here just buried in our circumstances
Time was
You could start a revolution with this disillusion I feel
Time was
You would never make a fool of me
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
I Will Not Breakdown Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
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Great version of a great song,
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