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.
Oh mama, don't you know this is my last crusade
That's right, I'm cashin' out
Your boy has got it made
I've got a ten foot blond
She's waiting on the moon
That girl is living sin
I'm gonna be there soon
The last patrol
Well let the games begin
Let's let the circus burn
'Cause I'm a wise old dog and you have much to learn
It's a cosmic joke those suckers never knew
Before I melt this ball I'm gonna burn them too
The last patrol
Baby, can you save my heart and take this gig into the stars
Melt the ghosts inside my head
The same ones who told me rock was dead
No more will those dogs pervert the life I've lead in motion blur
I'll fry the fools who'll never learn
and leave them in my after-burn
Let's let the circus burn
That's right, I'm cashin' out
Your boy has got it made
I've got a ten foot blond
She's waiting on the moon
That girl is living sin
I'm gonna be there soon
The last patrol
Well let the games begin
Let's let the circus burn
'Cause I'm a wise old dog and you have much to learn
It's a cosmic joke those suckers never knew
Before I melt this ball I'm gonna burn them too
The last patrol
Baby, can you save my heart and take this gig into the stars
Melt the ghosts inside my head
The same ones who told me rock was dead
No more will those dogs pervert the life I've lead in motion blur
I'll fry the fools who'll never learn
and leave them in my after-burn
Let's let the circus burn
Lyrics submitted by Androgyne
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Such a good tune, man. It took a few listens for me to get on board with this song and the whole album but man I jones out for this bad when I don't have Last Patrol in hand. I really can't say enough. Again Dave's transparency with his lyrics is crystal clear and the music is way better than the previous couple albums save some singles.