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.
What happened to Dignity?
Did it go away again?
Just like some worn out trend.
Well I still defend emotions.
What happened to Honesty?
I don't see it in the top ten.
I only see it in what has been.
'cause I still defend Devotion.
Am I alone?
Don't want to rest, Don't want to breath.
We don't want to hear about life.
Don't want to hear a spokesman.
I don't want to test on what you believe,
The god damn singer wrote the song!
Don't want to hear a spokesman.
What happen to Integrity?
I don't see it on MTV.
All I see is choreography
and I'll never be a dancer
What happen to puberty?
Bad Skin and insecurity?
And who the fuck is felicity?
'cause I have problems of my own!
Am I alone?
Don't want to rest, Don't want to breath
We don't want to hear about life.
Don't want to hear a spokesman
Don't want to test on what you believe
The god damn singer wrote the song!
Don't want to hear a spokesman.
Don't want to rest, Don't want to breath
We don't want to hear about life.
Don't want to hear a spokesman
Don't want to test on what you believe
The god damn singer wrote the song!
Don't want to hear a spokesman.
Did it go away again?
Just like some worn out trend.
Well I still defend emotions.
What happened to Honesty?
I don't see it in the top ten.
I only see it in what has been.
'cause I still defend Devotion.
Am I alone?
Don't want to rest, Don't want to breath.
We don't want to hear about life.
Don't want to hear a spokesman.
I don't want to test on what you believe,
The god damn singer wrote the song!
Don't want to hear a spokesman.
What happen to Integrity?
I don't see it on MTV.
All I see is choreography
and I'll never be a dancer
What happen to puberty?
Bad Skin and insecurity?
And who the fuck is felicity?
'cause I have problems of my own!
Am I alone?
Don't want to rest, Don't want to breath
We don't want to hear about life.
Don't want to hear a spokesman
Don't want to test on what you believe
The god damn singer wrote the song!
Don't want to hear a spokesman.
Don't want to rest, Don't want to breath
We don't want to hear about life.
Don't want to hear a spokesman
Don't want to test on what you believe
The god damn singer wrote the song!
Don't want to hear a spokesman.
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Hayalperest
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
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.
this song is so right...What happened to dignity? What happened to honesty? What happened to integrity?...society has become so materialistic...i love goldfinger so much