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 read about a man to whom I may be related
Leatherman
Died a long time ago, in the 1880s
Leatherman, Leatherman
Covered with leather but it wasn't tight
Underneath the moon in the woods at night
Making the rounds, ten miles a day
Once a month they spot him
Here's what they say:
"Here he comes, he's a man of the land
He's Leatherman
Smile on his face
Axe in his pack
He's Leatherman, Leatherman, Leatherman."
Comes out of the caves once a day to be fed
He wasn't known to say much
But, "Thanks for the bread."
So modern day I walk my way, my jacket faded
Just like a man of leather to whom I may be related
Rolled a cigarette for which he asked for a light
Appeared to be an animal, yet so polite
Making the rounds, ten miles a day
Once a month they spot him
Here's what they say:
"Here he comes, he's a man of the land
He's Leatherman
Smile on his face
Axe in his pack
He's Leatherman, Leatherman, Leatherman
He's Leatherman, Leatherman."
Shakes his head, he's Leatherman
Bake some bread, he's Leatherman
Shame he's dead
I saw his bed
It's all that's left of Leatherman
Leatherman
Give me some skin, Leatherman.
Leatherman
Died a long time ago, in the 1880s
Leatherman, Leatherman
Covered with leather but it wasn't tight
Underneath the moon in the woods at night
Making the rounds, ten miles a day
Once a month they spot him
Here's what they say:
"Here he comes, he's a man of the land
He's Leatherman
Smile on his face
Axe in his pack
He's Leatherman, Leatherman, Leatherman."
Comes out of the caves once a day to be fed
He wasn't known to say much
But, "Thanks for the bread."
So modern day I walk my way, my jacket faded
Just like a man of leather to whom I may be related
Rolled a cigarette for which he asked for a light
Appeared to be an animal, yet so polite
Making the rounds, ten miles a day
Once a month they spot him
Here's what they say:
"Here he comes, he's a man of the land
He's Leatherman
Smile on his face
Axe in his pack
He's Leatherman, Leatherman, Leatherman
He's Leatherman, Leatherman."
Shakes his head, he's Leatherman
Bake some bread, he's Leatherman
Shame he's dead
I saw his bed
It's all that's left of Leatherman
Leatherman
Give me some skin, Leatherman.
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This song is a true story...have you heard the story of the Leatherman? If not...go here...hudsonvalleyruins.org/yasinsac/briarcliff/leather.html