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.
He was a mighty golden boy, as gold as ever seen,
But when he stepped up to the podium, you could tell that boy was mean.
His arms was made of nickel, and his forehead made of wood.
An affidavit from the principal says,this boy just ain't no good.
He stood before the union, and he made a solemn oath.
Uphold the purity of his creed, the others he would toast.
He worked nights at the liquor mart, and he drank to pad his pay.
When he caught him lifting 40s, he shot a boy last may.
His momma asked why?
His lawyer in the courtroom, made a noble plea.
And the judge he gave him eighteen months, but he was out in three.
When asked if he ever felt remorse while sittin' up in that pen.
He said hell no, ya know a thief's a thief.
And I'd shoot that fucker again
But when he stepped up to the podium, you could tell that boy was mean.
His arms was made of nickel, and his forehead made of wood.
An affidavit from the principal says,this boy just ain't no good.
He stood before the union, and he made a solemn oath.
Uphold the purity of his creed, the others he would toast.
He worked nights at the liquor mart, and he drank to pad his pay.
When he caught him lifting 40s, he shot a boy last may.
His momma asked why?
His lawyer in the courtroom, made a noble plea.
And the judge he gave him eighteen months, but he was out in three.
When asked if he ever felt remorse while sittin' up in that pen.
He said hell no, ya know a thief's a thief.
And I'd shoot that fucker again
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The Golden Boy is definitley a hypocrite.. He's bad to the bone.. He ws stealing from the liquor store by drinking to "pad his pay" then he shoots a kid for stealing a 40.. After he did his time he still had no remorese.. He truly is a dumb , hpyocritical, mean, bad man.. Les is making fun of him and sarcastically calling him "Golden Boy" ? ? ? Just what I've alway gotten from the song.
Jaco, nice insight, in Steinbeck's East of Eden there is a part about an evil man, who is described in the same light as the devil and referred to as the "golden man". Additionally, the devil is often referred to as the angle of light, a play off of his cunning and evil nature. Thus, the golden boy (man) is evil, yet has some (the judge, who only punished him for shooting the supposed thief) fooled. This theme has been touched on by many and used time and time again, yet Les adds his genius creative style, blending humor with dark themes. Also, it is important to take note that Les resides in northern California, where Steinbeck lived and wrote for many years. In Monterey CA, he is an icon.