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.
GAVROCHE
Liar!
Good evening, dear inspector
Lovely evening, my dear.
I know this man, my friends
His name is Inspector Javert
So don't believe a word he says
'Cause none of it's true
This only goes to show
What little people can do!
And little people know
When little people fight
We may look easy pickings
But we've got some bite
So never kick a dog
Because he's just a pup
We'll fight like twenty armies
And we won't give up
So you'd better run for cover
When the pup grows up!
GRANTAIRE
Bravo, little Gavroche, you're the top of the class!
PROUVAIRE
So what are we going to do
With this snake in the grass?
ENJOLRAS
Tie this man and take him
To the tavern in there
The people will decide your fate
Inspector Javert!
COURFEYRAC
Take the bastard now and shoot him!
FEUILLY
Let us watch the devil dance!
LESGLES
You'd have done the same, Inspector,
If we'd let you have your chance!
JAVERT
Shoot me now or shoot me later
Every schoolboy to his sport
Death to each and every traitor
I renounce your people's court!
COMBEFERRE
Though we may not all survive here
There are things that never die
GRANTAIRE
What's the difference, die a schoolboy,
Die a policeman, die a spy?
ENJOLRAS
Take this man, bring him through
There is work we have to do!
(Javert is bundled away as the first shots ring out.
Eponine enters, wounded)
JOLY
There's a boy climbing the barricade!
MARIUS
Good God! What are you doing?
'Ponine, have you no fear?
Have you seen my beloved?
Why have you come back here?
EPONINE
Took the letter like you said
I met her father at the door
He said he would give it
(She collapses in his arms)
Don't think I can stand any more.
MARIUS
Eponine, what's wrong? I feel...
There's something wet upon your hair
(There is blood on his hands)
Eponine, you're hurt
You need some help!
Oh God, it's everywhere....
Liar!
Good evening, dear inspector
Lovely evening, my dear.
I know this man, my friends
His name is Inspector Javert
So don't believe a word he says
'Cause none of it's true
This only goes to show
What little people can do!
And little people know
When little people fight
We may look easy pickings
But we've got some bite
So never kick a dog
Because he's just a pup
We'll fight like twenty armies
And we won't give up
So you'd better run for cover
When the pup grows up!
GRANTAIRE
Bravo, little Gavroche, you're the top of the class!
PROUVAIRE
So what are we going to do
With this snake in the grass?
ENJOLRAS
Tie this man and take him
To the tavern in there
The people will decide your fate
Inspector Javert!
COURFEYRAC
Take the bastard now and shoot him!
FEUILLY
Let us watch the devil dance!
LESGLES
You'd have done the same, Inspector,
If we'd let you have your chance!
JAVERT
Shoot me now or shoot me later
Every schoolboy to his sport
Death to each and every traitor
I renounce your people's court!
COMBEFERRE
Though we may not all survive here
There are things that never die
GRANTAIRE
What's the difference, die a schoolboy,
Die a policeman, die a spy?
ENJOLRAS
Take this man, bring him through
There is work we have to do!
(Javert is bundled away as the first shots ring out.
Eponine enters, wounded)
JOLY
There's a boy climbing the barricade!
MARIUS
Good God! What are you doing?
'Ponine, have you no fear?
Have you seen my beloved?
Why have you come back here?
EPONINE
Took the letter like you said
I met her father at the door
He said he would give it
(She collapses in his arms)
Don't think I can stand any more.
MARIUS
Eponine, what's wrong? I feel...
There's something wet upon your hair
(There is blood on his hands)
Eponine, you're hurt
You need some help!
Oh God, it's everywhere....
Lyrics submitted by fallacies
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