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 Need A Gun To Keep Myself From Harm
The Poor People Are Burning In The Sun
But They Ain't Got A Chance
They Ain't Got A Chance
I Need A Gun
Cos All I Do Is Dance
Cos All I Do Is Dance
I Need A Gun To Keep Myself From Harm
The Poor People Are Burning In The Sun
No, They Ain't Got A Chance
They Ain't Got A Chance
I Need A Gun
Cos All I Do Is Dance
Cos All I Do Is Dance
In My Backpack
I Got My Act Right
In Case You Act Quite Difficult
And Yo Is So Weakin'
With Anger And Discontent
Some Are Seeking And Searching Like Me, Moi
I'm A Peace-Loving Decoy
Ready For Retaliation
I Change The Whole Occasion To A Pine Box Six-Under
Impulsive Don't Ask Wild Wonder
Orders Given To Me Is:
Strike And I'm Thunder With Lightning Fast Reflexes On Constant Alert
From The Constant Hurt That Seems Limitless With No Dropping Pressure
Seems Like Everybody's Out To Test Ya
'Til They See Your Brake
They Can't Conceal The Hate
That Consumes You
I'm The Reason Why You Flipped Your Soosa
Chill With Your Old Lady At The Tilt
I Got A 90 Days Digit
And I'm Filled With Guilt
From Things That I've Seen
Your Water's From A Bottle
Mine's From A Canteen
At Night I Hear The Shots
Ring So I'm A Light Sleeper
The Cost Of Life,
It Seems To Get Cheaper
Out In The Desert
With My Street Sweeper
The War Is Over
So Said The Speaker With The Flight Suit On
Maybe To Him I'm Just A Pawn
So He Can Advance
Remember When I Used To Dance
Man, All I Want To Do Is Dance
(Dance!)
(Dance!)
(Dance!)
I Need A Gun To Keep Myself From Harm
The Poor People Are Burning In The Sun
But They Ain't Got A Chance
They Ain't Got A Chance
I Need A Gun
Cos All I Do Is Dance
Cos All I Do Is Dance
I Need A Gun To Keep Myself From Harm
The Poor People Are Burning In The Sun
No, They Ain't Got A Chance
They Ain't Got A Chance
I Need A Gun
Cos All I Do Is Dance
Cos All I Do Is Dance
In My Backpack
I Got My Act Right
In Case You Act Quite Difficult
And Yo Is So Weakin'
With Anger And Discontent
Some Are Seeking And Searching Like Me, Moi
I'm A Peace-Loving Decoy
Ready For Retaliation
I Change The Whole Occasion To A Pine Box Six-Under
Impulsive Don't Ask Wild Wonder
Orders Given To Me Is:
Strike And I'm Thunder With Lightning Fast Reflexes On Constant Alert
From The Constant Hurt That Seems Limitless With No Dropping Pressure
Seems Like Everybody's Out To Test Ya
'Til They See Your Brake
They Can't Conceal The Hate
That Consumes You
I'm The Reason Why You Flipped Your Soosa
Chill With Your Old Lady At The Tilt
I Got A 90 Days Digit
And I'm Filled With Guilt
From Things That I've Seen
Your Water's From A Bottle
Mine's From A Canteen
At Night I Hear The Shots
Ring So I'm A Light Sleeper
The Cost Of Life,
It Seems To Get Cheaper
Out In The Desert
With My Street Sweeper
The War Is Over
So Said The Speaker With The Flight Suit On
Maybe To Him I'm Just A Pawn
So He Can Advance
Remember When I Used To Dance
Man, All I Want To Do Is Dance
(Dance!)
(Dance!)
(Dance!)
I Need A Gun To Keep Myself From Harm
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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Blink-182
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
This song is a remix made by the winner of the Search for a Star contest. The original version is titled Dirty Harry.