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.
Valjean, at last, we see each other plain
M'sieur le maire, you'll wear a different chain
Before you say another word, Javert
Before you chain me up like a slave again
Listen to me, there is something I must do
This woman leaves behind a suffering child
There is none but me who can intercede
In mercy's name, three days are all I need
Then I'll return, I pledge my word
Then I'll return
You must think me mad
I've hunted you across the years
Men like you can never change
A man, such as you
Believe of me What you will (Men like me can never change)
There is a duty that I'm sworn to do (Men like me can never change)
No! (24601) You know nothing of my life)
All I did was steal some bread (My duty's to the law You have no rights Come with me, 24601
Now the wheel has turned around (You know nothing of the world You would sooner see me dead)
Jean Valjean is nothing now)
I am warning you, Javert (Dare you talk to me of crime)
I'm a stronger man by far (And the price you had to pay
There is power in me yet (Every man is born in sin)
Every man must choose his way (My race is not yet run!)
I am warning you, Javert (You know nothing of Javert)
There is nothing I won't dare I was born inside a jail
If I have to kill you here I was born with scum like you
I'll do what must be done! (I am from the gutter, too)
And this I swear to you tonight
There is no place for you to hide
Your child will live within my care
Wherever you may hide away
And I will raise her to the light
I swear to you, I will be there
M'sieur le maire, you'll wear a different chain
Before you say another word, Javert
Before you chain me up like a slave again
Listen to me, there is something I must do
This woman leaves behind a suffering child
There is none but me who can intercede
In mercy's name, three days are all I need
Then I'll return, I pledge my word
Then I'll return
You must think me mad
I've hunted you across the years
Men like you can never change
A man, such as you
Believe of me What you will (Men like me can never change)
There is a duty that I'm sworn to do (Men like me can never change)
No! (24601) You know nothing of my life)
All I did was steal some bread (My duty's to the law You have no rights Come with me, 24601
Now the wheel has turned around (You know nothing of the world You would sooner see me dead)
Jean Valjean is nothing now)
I am warning you, Javert (Dare you talk to me of crime)
I'm a stronger man by far (And the price you had to pay
There is power in me yet (Every man is born in sin)
Every man must choose his way (My race is not yet run!)
I am warning you, Javert (You know nothing of Javert)
There is nothing I won't dare I was born inside a jail
If I have to kill you here I was born with scum like you
I'll do what must be done! (I am from the gutter, too)
And this I swear to you tonight
There is no place for you to hide
Your child will live within my care
Wherever you may hide away
And I will raise her to the light
I swear to you, I will be there
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
I think its about a love for bread and water. Between neighbours. Called Robin Hiley and James Ross.