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.
I saw your ad on television.
You are subject to derision.
You push your product every day,
I'm not impressed, what can I say?
Now how fair is this?
I'd really like to kill you, but it's against the law,
And whose fault is that?
Genocide
Suicide
Mass murder for a purpose this time.
Kill us? NO THEM...a practical alternative.
(Is it any wonder we turn on ourselves?)
Now guys and gals across the land,
Put your faith in fellow man.
You'll never cease to be amazed,
Genocide, the current craze.
Death is a blessing as a gift to the rich,
Pardon my smile as the powerful twitch.
Genocide or suicide.
Genocide or suicide.
You are subject to derision.
You push your product every day,
I'm not impressed, what can I say?
Now how fair is this?
I'd really like to kill you, but it's against the law,
And whose fault is that?
Genocide
Suicide
Mass murder for a purpose this time.
Kill us? NO THEM...a practical alternative.
(Is it any wonder we turn on ourselves?)
Now guys and gals across the land,
Put your faith in fellow man.
You'll never cease to be amazed,
Genocide, the current craze.
Death is a blessing as a gift to the rich,
Pardon my smile as the powerful twitch.
Genocide or suicide.
Genocide or suicide.
Lyrics submitted by FearAndLoathing
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Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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