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 found a place to roam
West coast, downtown, opportunity
The day is warm, you feel at home
But oh, here comes the night
The street's aflame, you feel the city fight
Where will you go?
You're on your own
[Fall down, play dead
Hospital bed
Fucked in the head
Act sane, act sane, act sane, ACT SANE!]
You thought you had a chance
The gig was over when you pissed your pants
And now they know you're not like them
They stuff you in a van, throw you out and on skid row you land
And now you know how much they care
[Chorus]
West coast, downtown, opportunity
The day is warm, you feel at home
But oh, here comes the night
The street's aflame, you feel the city fight
Where will you go?
You're on your own
[Fall down, play dead
Hospital bed
Fucked in the head
Act sane, act sane, act sane, ACT SANE!]
You thought you had a chance
The gig was over when you pissed your pants
And now they know you're not like them
They stuff you in a van, throw you out and on skid row you land
And now you know how much they care
[Chorus]
Lyrics submitted by Hippodrome
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