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.
Here's a little story about a punk named Jed
Greasy stinky hair stuck out his fuckin' head
Arrogant and macho and stupid as can be
Always quick to tell me he's more punk than me
This is an example of what a jerk he is
He think he's some kind of punk rock whiz
He said if I was really punk I'd listen to The Germs
I smelled his stinky breath and I started to squirm
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I do I do
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
Because of guys like you
I remember one time I was dancin' at a show
A poppy kind of band and Jed said they blow
That stuff is for guys who just want to get laid
He asked me what I thought but didn't wait for me to say
This is what I think about his attitude
He doesn't have to be so snotty fucking rude
And thinking for yourself doesn't mean you have to be a jerk
Being arrogant and ignorant doesn't take much work
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I do I do
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
Because of guys like you
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I do I do
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
Because of guys like you
Greasy stinky hair stuck out his fuckin' head
Arrogant and macho and stupid as can be
Always quick to tell me he's more punk than me
This is an example of what a jerk he is
He think he's some kind of punk rock whiz
He said if I was really punk I'd listen to The Germs
I smelled his stinky breath and I started to squirm
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I do I do
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
Because of guys like you
I remember one time I was dancin' at a show
A poppy kind of band and Jed said they blow
That stuff is for guys who just want to get laid
He asked me what I thought but didn't wait for me to say
This is what I think about his attitude
He doesn't have to be so snotty fucking rude
And thinking for yourself doesn't mean you have to be a jerk
Being arrogant and ignorant doesn't take much work
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I do I do
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
Because of guys like you
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I do I do
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
I hate punk rock
Because of guys like you
Lyrics submitted by UrinaryAnxiety
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who the hell are the germs? golly
jgil
the germs were the definitive punk band in LA before black flag. darby crash sang for them and pat smear, who later toured with nirvana, played guitar. as far as the line in the song goes, the germs were one of the most hardcore bands in both their music and attitude. darby would often cut himself and break bottles over his head during shows.
i'd beat the crap out of jed