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 good is sitting alone in your room?
Come hear the music play
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
Put down the knitting, the book and the broom
It's time for a holiday
Life is a cabaret, old cum
Come to the cabaret
Come taste the wine, come hear the band
Come blow that horn, start celebrating
Right this way, your table's waiting
No use permitting some prophet of doom
To wipe every smile away
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
I used to have girlfriend known as Elsie
With whom I shared four sordid rooms in Chelsea
She wasn't what you call a blushing flower
As a matter of fact she rented by the hour
The day she died the neighbors came to snicker
Well that's what comes from too much pills and liquor
But when I saw her laid up like a queen
She was the happiest corps I've seen
And as for me, as for me
I made my mind up back in Chelsea
When I go I am going like Elsie
Stop by admitting from cradle to tomb
It's such a long, long smile
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
What good is sitting alone in your room?
Come hear the music play
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the caba, come to the caba, I love a cabaret
Come hear the music play
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
Put down the knitting, the book and the broom
It's time for a holiday
Life is a cabaret, old cum
Come to the cabaret
Come taste the wine, come hear the band
Come blow that horn, start celebrating
Right this way, your table's waiting
No use permitting some prophet of doom
To wipe every smile away
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
I used to have girlfriend known as Elsie
With whom I shared four sordid rooms in Chelsea
She wasn't what you call a blushing flower
As a matter of fact she rented by the hour
The day she died the neighbors came to snicker
Well that's what comes from too much pills and liquor
But when I saw her laid up like a queen
She was the happiest corps I've seen
And as for me, as for me
I made my mind up back in Chelsea
When I go I am going like Elsie
Stop by admitting from cradle to tomb
It's such a long, long smile
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
What good is sitting alone in your room?
Come hear the music play
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the caba, come to the caba, I love a cabaret
Lyrics submitted by black_cow_of_death
Stepping Out Lyrics as written by Friel Smith
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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