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 knows he'll be alone tonight
While contemplating, 'What can I do?'
Lack of hope leaves him feeling violent
Its not that he's looking for a fight, it's just...
He don't know where to turn
More stress than help, from home and school
And on the streets his life's out of control...
Chorus
Angry Young and Poor
Angry Young and Pissed
Angry and no one cares
She never even had a chance
Mental, sexual, physical violence
Not once she heard an encouraging word
Just the phase, 'You better shut up!' and, 'You're going no where!'
Her sad stories, all left untold
And so her life became something, so out of control...
Chorus
Angry Young and Poor
Angry Young and Pissed
Angry and no one cares
Don't know where to turn
Don't know what to do...
Politicians talk it up, about their love, for the USA's youth
But when it comes time to put up, their rhetoric falls back on every excuse
Every excuse, every excuse...
Chorus
While contemplating, 'What can I do?'
Lack of hope leaves him feeling violent
Its not that he's looking for a fight, it's just...
He don't know where to turn
More stress than help, from home and school
And on the streets his life's out of control...
Chorus
Angry Young and Poor
Angry Young and Pissed
Angry and no one cares
She never even had a chance
Mental, sexual, physical violence
Not once she heard an encouraging word
Just the phase, 'You better shut up!' and, 'You're going no where!'
Her sad stories, all left untold
And so her life became something, so out of control...
Chorus
Angry Young and Poor
Angry Young and Pissed
Angry and no one cares
Don't know where to turn
Don't know what to do...
Politicians talk it up, about their love, for the USA's youth
But when it comes time to put up, their rhetoric falls back on every excuse
Every excuse, every excuse...
Chorus
Lyrics submitted by anti-flagmaggot
Angry, Young And Poor Lyrics as written by Patrick C. Bollinger Christopher Lee Barker
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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punk in drublic says... the only difference I see is the captalization????? and what does that matter anyway? Anyway, this song, to me, is about the government's lack of support for teens who are in trouble.. they say they want to help, but when they get into office they start raising taxes and not accomplishing what they've promised.
this is ma favorite anti-flag song!
i'm blasting this song right now. all i gotta say is i think my ears are bleeding. this song rocks.
its actually
"She never even had a chance MENTAL,SEXUAL,PHYSICALL VIOLENCE Not once she heard an encouraging word Just the phase, "You better shut up!" and, "You're going no where!"
"Politicians talk it up, about their love, for the USA's youth"..but then it is just ignored, and things like this happen, so why does the government bother? There is no reason for the government of america to say this and then do nothing about it. this song is wicked.
I think that this is the best anti-flag song, i cannot wait until warped!
this song is a great tribute to those of us who didnt have as much as others and its a great song to let some agression out when your feeling pissed. Anti Flag will forever kick ass
they were wicked at warped...simply...amazing
this song is about a guy and a girl who live street lives and cant afford very much and how everyone always puts them down and how they grew up fighting and not owning much, its about how they dont get the appretiation they deserve. its about nobody caring that they are poor and need help wiht a "better them than me" attitude they consider themselves higher people (wealthy people)
I think that this song is pretty obvious about its meaning right-e-o? heh. Wow the lyrics sound familiar.. reminds me of my lifestyle.