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.
[Chorus 1]
Try to make some changes really on the line
Given your religion, never ever time
All the jokers laughing, queens upon the floor
Mothers understand it, baby needs some more
Head held up to ransom, by a quick hand and a gun
Just your education, hard to understand
Will the teenage legend make a mark on you
Make a big time status, with a pen we'll stab it through
[Chorus 2]
Mother Mary could you ever really feel the same
And would you try to understand a wild colonial boy
[Chorus 1]
[Chorus 2]
[Chorus 1]
Try to make some changes really on the line
Given your religion, never ever time
All the jokers laughing, queens upon the floor
Mothers understand it, baby needs some more
Head held up to ransom, by a quick hand and a gun
Just your education, hard to understand
Will the teenage legend make a mark on you
Make a big time status, with a pen we'll stab it through
[Chorus 2]
Mother Mary could you ever really feel the same
And would you try to understand a wild colonial boy
[Chorus 1]
[Chorus 2]
[Chorus 1]
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this song rocks so hard. the version on Strangers could make even the dead rise and rip a wicked air guitar solo. but i have absolutely no idea what it means. i thought it was some kind of statement on religion. a lot of UFO's lyrics really escape me.
its not about religion itself, i think this song is about standing firm with your beliefs in general.
some people might laugh at what you believe in (like freedom or somethin.... doesnt have to be religious) and all the jokers (people with different views) laugh at you.
mothers have had experience so they are firm in their beliefs, but babies are young and impressionable so they can be brought up to believe anything.
at least thats what i get out of it....
i think it's AGAINST religion, it's about a very devoted believer who gets in a dangerous situation and starts questioning the things he believes.
This song is about standing for what you believe in..UFO kicks serious ass!!
Completely agree with you man!!
always loved this track, but honestly did not know all the lyrics for many years. looked them up recently, because I was just a bit curious. the meaning did not jump off the page at me, so I wanted to see what was out there on the subject. have not found much, not that there is any deep hidden meaning to begin with. one of my favorite bands of all-time though - assuming MS is in the mix.
Hey gang, first of all, I don't think it's 'would you try to understand a wild colonial boy' it's, 'Would you try to understand why I've cloned your boy', talking about bringing Jesus back...we'd have to ask Phil Mogg for sure....later.
@bill102064 -<br /> <br /> Wild line reading, Bill, and I'd prefer it, gives the song a fascinating spin.<br /> <br /> But it's "wild colonial boy". You can make it out pretty clearly (as clear as it's going to get, anyway) on "Force It", the second chorus. Even on the other repetitions of the line you never hear a "d". Now, I suppose you can hear him sing "why I clone your boy" if you're so inclined, but as cool a perspective as that would add, it's not the lyric. Won't stop me from singing it that way now, though- giving you full credit, of course. ;)
Phil is imagination and genius at it's finest complimented with the awesome naturally smooth pleasant melt your face volume on ten guitar Lick's only scheinkers creativity has and together with the Way thunderous heavy base combined with solid beat still chizeld out of Granite in my metal brain. & Blessed melodic keys and rythu ms forever Amen
The line about a "wild colonial boy" is worth a search on the internet. Hopefully you'll find a references to a person or a group of outlaws. There's also a song that's moved from being about an Irish highwayman type to an Aussie bushranger. I think Mogg is using this as a metaphor for the hedonist 'ganglife' of a rockband on tour. Why Mother Mary? The Catholic Irishman beyond redemption or the debauched rock star similarly beyond saving? Anyone who's read Pete Way's book will see the connection there.
Definitely! Saying that to everyone by the way. I would like to add one thing though. In addition to standing by his beliefs, it sounds like he's also asking this: since we're always trying to understand religion, how about religion tries to understand me?