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
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
i agree with ilikemusic88 and miss la de da... it is very very meaningful