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.
Should I start this song off with a question?
Or should I say what's on my mind.
(Add a cello here to add a sad impression).
'Cause I'm not looking forward to leaving my friends all behind.
I didn't vote (though I'm not proud), cause I'm Canadian, and I'm not allowed.
Give it a go or throw in the towel.
Stand all alone or swim through the crowd.
No one around to help you decide.
It's time to make up your mind.
It's time to make up your mind.
By the wayside we fell.
He said, "It's my way or the highway to hell."
It's your decision, choose it well.
He said, "It's my way or the highway to hell."
Decision we make; life's an election.
Precision we take, seeking direction.
But there's so many lies.
Unsure where we can look.
But we've got a guide- a really thick handbook.
No one around to help you decide.
It's time to make up your mind.
It's time to make up your mind.
Are you with me or against me?
Noticed you're sitting on the fence.
We wondered why you're not cut and dry.
You got to choose our side and live, or their side and die.
Which hand holds your soul?
Do you want to guess one?
If it scares you to death, may that be your lesson.
It's your decision, make it the best one.
And should I end this song off with a question?
Or should I say what's on my mind.
(Add a cello here to add a sad impression).
'Cause I'm not looking forward to leaving my friends all behind.
I didn't vote (though I'm not proud), cause I'm Canadian, and I'm not allowed.
Give it a go or throw in the towel.
Stand all alone or swim through the crowd.
No one around to help you decide.
It's time to make up your mind.
It's time to make up your mind.
By the wayside we fell.
He said, "It's my way or the highway to hell."
It's your decision, choose it well.
He said, "It's my way or the highway to hell."
Decision we make; life's an election.
Precision we take, seeking direction.
But there's so many lies.
Unsure where we can look.
But we've got a guide- a really thick handbook.
No one around to help you decide.
It's time to make up your mind.
It's time to make up your mind.
Are you with me or against me?
Noticed you're sitting on the fence.
We wondered why you're not cut and dry.
You got to choose our side and live, or their side and die.
Which hand holds your soul?
Do you want to guess one?
If it scares you to death, may that be your lesson.
It's your decision, make it the best one.
And should I end this song off with a question?
Lyrics submitted by ThreeMilesDown
My Way or the Highway... Lyrics as written by Matthew Arnold Thiessen
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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