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.
Carry what they say you'll need,
Regardless of it's weight
The orders from the high machine say
We must leave today
And the fathers in the war room
Picking out a place
We'll drop the bombs tomorrow...
in the name of peace
Marry who they say you should,
Don't give a thought to love
If your white they're white,
Black they're black
This is how it's done here
And the mother's in the one place,
He says that she should be
Cook it up, clean it out,
get ready for me
Drink the fear, all is clear
Follow who they call the leader
Drink the fear, all is clear
Swallow what they say you should
If your slowly fading,
Find your mark no mistaking
Let's see just how far you'll go
If your suffocating,
Kick them where their creating
Shut up, pick your star,
Make a wish,
Go too far
And the father's in the war room
Picking out a place
We'll plant the mines tomorrow
In the name of peace
And the daughter's on the front line
Says that he should be
Move it up, push it back,
get ready for me
Drink the fear, all is clear
Follow who they call the leader
Drink the fear, all is clear
Swallow...
Follow
Regardless of it's weight
The orders from the high machine say
We must leave today
And the fathers in the war room
Picking out a place
We'll drop the bombs tomorrow...
in the name of peace
Marry who they say you should,
Don't give a thought to love
If your white they're white,
Black they're black
This is how it's done here
And the mother's in the one place,
He says that she should be
Cook it up, clean it out,
get ready for me
Drink the fear, all is clear
Follow who they call the leader
Drink the fear, all is clear
Swallow what they say you should
If your slowly fading,
Find your mark no mistaking
Let's see just how far you'll go
If your suffocating,
Kick them where their creating
Shut up, pick your star,
Make a wish,
Go too far
And the father's in the war room
Picking out a place
We'll plant the mines tomorrow
In the name of peace
And the daughter's on the front line
Says that he should be
Move it up, push it back,
get ready for me
Drink the fear, all is clear
Follow who they call the leader
Drink the fear, all is clear
Swallow...
Follow
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