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.
They say that Pete had Razor sharp wit
But the man had a knife
Which is easier to cut with
Was going straight on the day that they met
He said we'll make a dishonest man of you yet
We through the vine that he tried to sell us
Down the river so we stuck him with regards from the fellas
He knew himself that they wouldn't be crossed
The doctor couldn't save him
Too much blood was lost
It's only a game to the backroom boys
They play with people like children play with toys
I wont name names
Pawn in the game of the backroom boys
You'll never muscle in on thier backroom ploys
They wont take the blame
Sister talked big
Claimed they'd never hurt a lady
She was right they told her they would take away her baby
Used to stay up all night
She wouldn't get tired
She spends every hour now yawning and wired
It's only a game to the backroom boys
They play with people like children play with toys
But I didn't call
She dropped to her knees and cried as she begged
She was lucky to leave with her tail between her legs
She was black balled
Did you hear that Bobby got divinely inspired
He looked pretty sharp in his religious attire
No-one was surprised when he passed away
They told him times
Religion doesn't pay
They say...
It's only a game to the backroom boys
They play with people like children play with toys
I wont name names
The day that Bobby got divinely inspired
He said he needed help in wading through the mire
With a full collection plate
But the man had a knife
Which is easier to cut with
Was going straight on the day that they met
He said we'll make a dishonest man of you yet
We through the vine that he tried to sell us
Down the river so we stuck him with regards from the fellas
He knew himself that they wouldn't be crossed
The doctor couldn't save him
Too much blood was lost
It's only a game to the backroom boys
They play with people like children play with toys
I wont name names
Pawn in the game of the backroom boys
You'll never muscle in on thier backroom ploys
They wont take the blame
Sister talked big
Claimed they'd never hurt a lady
She was right they told her they would take away her baby
Used to stay up all night
She wouldn't get tired
She spends every hour now yawning and wired
It's only a game to the backroom boys
They play with people like children play with toys
But I didn't call
She dropped to her knees and cried as she begged
She was lucky to leave with her tail between her legs
She was black balled
Did you hear that Bobby got divinely inspired
He looked pretty sharp in his religious attire
No-one was surprised when he passed away
They told him times
Religion doesn't pay
They say...
It's only a game to the backroom boys
They play with people like children play with toys
I wont name names
The day that Bobby got divinely inspired
He said he needed help in wading through the mire
With a full collection plate
Lyrics submitted by enola
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