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.
[Verse 1: Akin]
React. In fact, we soar on a higher plane
Me black, me rap, me craft to go against fame
They hear, they fear, they're preying on some dumb lame
The sheep, they sleep, they keep on igniting flames
We are human. But are we really? Cause
Them kids want the sex, drugs, rock n' roll, VICE buzz
I’m among that voice for sale (yeah)
Revolution byproduct—exploit the feel (go)
Speak your mind, boy—keep it real
And that’s me in a gang of stars who chase mass appeal (uh huh)
Def Jam, Interscope validate my skill (yeah)
B-boy white boys validate my will (what?)
Gimme 10 mics, please—it better be a meal ticket
Out of misery, yet, I write, dog, still (yeah)
We only great by default. So what does that mean?
To bring about change, I came—a beauty extreme
Quote from Dave Chappelle. Farewell in lost episode
Dreaming in Africa. In March, lock and reload
The green dot and, oh, shout to Femi (oh)
It's free nights and weekends that's spent with the Henny—no
More of that though. I’m out for the cash flow
Slay hypocrites—white elites are straight assholes (uh huh)
[Bridge: Akin]
Stare in the sun, then eventually blind
Grind in the night—in event, we shine
Light in the sky with your name—it reads:
It's "Pretty Dark Things." Baby, get acquainted, begin
[Verse 2: Cise Star]
He panics at the disco. 20/20 with Cisco
Yelled at the sheriff and cut a fool at the bistro
It’s minimal—Ikea. Nice music of the cosmos
Miami life prices—went clubbing with Donnie Darko
Automaton Apollo, a fashionista Gestapo
Vice mag reader who thinks he’s cool apostle
Radiant like aliens—a funky homosapien
Used to rock a trucker hat with belt buckle—dangerous
Fuck that rap shit. Black people are classic
Uber white boys disdain the name cracker
But want to use nigga as if fashion allows it
You better stay quiet or the riot about to happen—blow
Radiant cool boy, hipster, and a scenester
Nothing ever sacred, so say something and mean it
Everything can be reduced to clever little stickers
But you better watch yourself if you slip and call me nigga
This is, this is my testament to
Those that make light of real pain and issue
Radiant cool boy. Nothing ever sacred
Stand for nothing but criticize everything (Stop!)
React. In fact, we soar on a higher plane
Me black, me rap, me craft to go against fame
They hear, they fear, they're preying on some dumb lame
The sheep, they sleep, they keep on igniting flames
We are human. But are we really? Cause
Them kids want the sex, drugs, rock n' roll, VICE buzz
I’m among that voice for sale (yeah)
Revolution byproduct—exploit the feel (go)
Speak your mind, boy—keep it real
And that’s me in a gang of stars who chase mass appeal (uh huh)
Def Jam, Interscope validate my skill (yeah)
B-boy white boys validate my will (what?)
Gimme 10 mics, please—it better be a meal ticket
Out of misery, yet, I write, dog, still (yeah)
We only great by default. So what does that mean?
To bring about change, I came—a beauty extreme
Quote from Dave Chappelle. Farewell in lost episode
Dreaming in Africa. In March, lock and reload
The green dot and, oh, shout to Femi (oh)
It's free nights and weekends that's spent with the Henny—no
More of that though. I’m out for the cash flow
Slay hypocrites—white elites are straight assholes (uh huh)
[Bridge: Akin]
Stare in the sun, then eventually blind
Grind in the night—in event, we shine
Light in the sky with your name—it reads:
It's "Pretty Dark Things." Baby, get acquainted, begin
[Verse 2: Cise Star]
He panics at the disco. 20/20 with Cisco
Yelled at the sheriff and cut a fool at the bistro
It’s minimal—Ikea. Nice music of the cosmos
Miami life prices—went clubbing with Donnie Darko
Automaton Apollo, a fashionista Gestapo
Vice mag reader who thinks he’s cool apostle
Radiant like aliens—a funky homosapien
Used to rock a trucker hat with belt buckle—dangerous
Fuck that rap shit. Black people are classic
Uber white boys disdain the name cracker
But want to use nigga as if fashion allows it
You better stay quiet or the riot about to happen—blow
Radiant cool boy, hipster, and a scenester
Nothing ever sacred, so say something and mean it
Everything can be reduced to clever little stickers
But you better watch yourself if you slip and call me nigga
This is, this is my testament to
Those that make light of real pain and issue
Radiant cool boy. Nothing ever sacred
Stand for nothing but criticize everything (Stop!)
Lyrics submitted by CloudEater
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