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.
You asked me to come down and watch the parade
To march down the street like the Duracell bunny
With a wink and a wave from the cavalcade
Throwing out candy that looks like money
To people passing by
That all seem to be goin' the other way
Said, "Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?"
Tripped over a dog in a choke-chain collar
People were shouting and pushing and saying
And traded a smoke for a food-stamp dollar
Ridiculous marching band started playing
Got me singing along
With some half-hearted victory song
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
The trumpeter's obviously been drinking
'Cause he's fucking up even the simplest lines
I'd say it's a sight that's quite worth seeing
It's just that everyone's interest is stronger than mine
When they clean the street
I'll be the only shit that's left behind
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
To march down the street like the Duracell bunny
With a wink and a wave from the cavalcade
Throwing out candy that looks like money
To people passing by
That all seem to be goin' the other way
Said, "Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?"
Tripped over a dog in a choke-chain collar
People were shouting and pushing and saying
And traded a smoke for a food-stamp dollar
Ridiculous marching band started playing
Got me singing along
With some half-hearted victory song
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
The trumpeter's obviously been drinking
'Cause he's fucking up even the simplest lines
I'd say it's a sight that's quite worth seeing
It's just that everyone's interest is stronger than mine
When they clean the street
I'll be the only shit that's left behind
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Won't you follow me down to the Rose Parade?
Lyrics submitted by EnjOy IncUbus
Rose Parade Lyrics as written by Steven Paul Smith
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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again, elliott's self-esteem strikes: "when they clean the street i'll be the only shit that's left behind"
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