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.
Light the lamp and fire mellow
Cabin essence timely hello
Welcomes the time for a change
Lost and found, you still remain there
You'll find a meadow filled with grain there
I'll give you a home on the range
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
I want to watch you windblown facing
Waves of wheat for your embracing
Folks sing a song of the grange
Nestle in a kiss below there
The constellations ebb and flow there
And witness our home on the range
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Have you seen the grand coolie workin' on the railroad?
Workin' on the railroad? Workin' on the railroad?
Over and over
The crow cries, uncover the cornfield
Over and over
The thresher and hover the wheat field
Over and over
The crow cries, uncover the cornfield
Over and over
The thresher and hover the wheat field
Over and over
The crow cries, uncover the cornfield
Cabin essence timely hello
Welcomes the time for a change
Lost and found, you still remain there
You'll find a meadow filled with grain there
I'll give you a home on the range
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
I want to watch you windblown facing
Waves of wheat for your embracing
Folks sing a song of the grange
Nestle in a kiss below there
The constellations ebb and flow there
And witness our home on the range
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Have you seen the grand coolie workin' on the railroad?
Workin' on the railroad? Workin' on the railroad?
Over and over
The crow cries, uncover the cornfield
Over and over
The thresher and hover the wheat field
Over and over
The crow cries, uncover the cornfield
Over and over
The thresher and hover the wheat field
Over and over
The crow cries, uncover the cornfield
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M. Love - "But I want to know what 'Over and over the crow flies, uncover the corn field?' means", he said.
Van Dyke Parks thought for a brief moment. He tried not to appear as insulted as he felt inside. "I think it's great poetry is what it is." he started.
"Fine", said Mike, "It's great poetry, but what the hell does it mean? ..if you ask me, it's gibberish"
"Mike, if you are demanding a literal interpretation", Van Dyke said calmly, "I have no idea what it means".
I think this sums up this entire song perfectly.