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.
How many times do you hear it?
It goes on all day long
Everyone knows everything
And no one's ever wrong
Until later
Who can you believe?
It's hard to play it safe
But apart from a few good friends
We don't take anything on faith
Until later
Show (show) don't tell (don't tell)
Show me don't tell me
You've figured out the score
Show me don't tell me
I've heard it all before
Show me don't tell me
I don't care what you say
Show me don't tell me
You can twist perceptions
Reality won't budge
You can raise objections
I will be the judge
And the jury
I'll give it due reflection
Watching from the fence
Give the jury direction
Based on the evidence
I, the jury
Show (show) don't tell (don't tell)
Show me don't tell me
Hey, order in the court
Show me don't tell me
Let's try to keep it short
Show me don't tell me
Enough of your demands
Show me don't tell me
Witness take the stand
Show me don't tell me
Show (show) don't tell (don't tell)
Show (show) don't tell (don't tell)
Show me don't tell me
Hey, order in the court
Show me don't tell me
Let's try to keep it short
Show me don't tell me
I don't care what you say
Show me don't tell me
Let's see exhibit A
Show me don't tell me
You've figured out the score
Show me don't tell me
I've heard it all before
Show me don't tell me
I don't care what you say
Show me don't tell me
Witness take the stand
Show me don't tell me
Hey, order in the court
Show me don't tell me
Let's try to keep it short
Show me don't tell me
It goes on all day long
Everyone knows everything
And no one's ever wrong
Until later
Who can you believe?
It's hard to play it safe
But apart from a few good friends
We don't take anything on faith
Until later
Show (show) don't tell (don't tell)
Show me don't tell me
You've figured out the score
Show me don't tell me
I've heard it all before
Show me don't tell me
I don't care what you say
Show me don't tell me
You can twist perceptions
Reality won't budge
You can raise objections
I will be the judge
And the jury
I'll give it due reflection
Watching from the fence
Give the jury direction
Based on the evidence
I, the jury
Show (show) don't tell (don't tell)
Show me don't tell me
Hey, order in the court
Show me don't tell me
Let's try to keep it short
Show me don't tell me
Enough of your demands
Show me don't tell me
Witness take the stand
Show me don't tell me
Show (show) don't tell (don't tell)
Show (show) don't tell (don't tell)
Show me don't tell me
Hey, order in the court
Show me don't tell me
Let's try to keep it short
Show me don't tell me
I don't care what you say
Show me don't tell me
Let's see exhibit A
Show me don't tell me
You've figured out the score
Show me don't tell me
I've heard it all before
Show me don't tell me
I don't care what you say
Show me don't tell me
Witness take the stand
Show me don't tell me
Hey, order in the court
Show me don't tell me
Let's try to keep it short
Show me don't tell me
Lyrics submitted by MasterDuncan03
Show Don't Tell Lyrics as written by Geddy Lee Neil Peart
Lyrics © Anthem Entertainment
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Very interesting both lyrically and musically, I'm surprised no-one has commented on this one yet! An amazing piece of music, with a very strong guitar sound, and Geddy's bass playing is as refined as ever (thats Wal basses for you). Amazing. An excellent way to open the album.