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.
Oh, the cuckoo, she's a pretty bird, and she warbles when she flies
But she never hollers cuckoo till the fourth day of July.
Said Jack o'Diamonds, well Jack o'Diamonds, oh I know you of old,
Honey you robbed me of my silver and out of all my gold,
All of my gold, all of my gold.
Well, Jack o'Diamonds, oh Jack o'Diamonds, oh I know you of old,
Honey, you robbed me of my silver and out of all my gold.
Said the cuckoo, she's a cruel bird, and she warbles when she flies
And every time that she passes, my true love says good-bye,
Well, says good-bye, well says good-bye,
Ooh, ooh...
But she never hollers cuckoo till the fourth day of July.
Said Jack o'Diamonds, well Jack o'Diamonds, oh I know you of old,
Honey you robbed me of my silver and out of all my gold,
All of my gold, all of my gold.
Well, Jack o'Diamonds, oh Jack o'Diamonds, oh I know you of old,
Honey, you robbed me of my silver and out of all my gold.
Said the cuckoo, she's a cruel bird, and she warbles when she flies
And every time that she passes, my true love says good-bye,
Well, says good-bye, well says good-bye,
Ooh, ooh...
Lyrics submitted by oofus
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