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.
Since day one they taught you to obey
To take commands and follow orders and listen to what they say
You've been bred to fear authority and run with the silent majority
They'll tell you this and that so they can keep their superiority
You're an asset to the farce an accomplice to the ruse
And they'll feed you propaganda so you stay blind and confused
The system stands with its power over all
But if we work together we can watch it fall
Chorus- Work together to make a change
We'll come back up to heal the pain
DISMANTLE THE FUCKING SYSTEM
The priest are yelling and the police are killing
As the blood runs thick from the dead civilians
The system says the end justifies the means
But we'll have no more of your destructive schemes
The system is responsible for this world of hate
We should be able to run our lives and determine our fate
The system stands with its power over all
But if we work together we can WATCH IT FALL!!
To take commands and follow orders and listen to what they say
You've been bred to fear authority and run with the silent majority
They'll tell you this and that so they can keep their superiority
You're an asset to the farce an accomplice to the ruse
And they'll feed you propaganda so you stay blind and confused
The system stands with its power over all
But if we work together we can watch it fall
Chorus- Work together to make a change
We'll come back up to heal the pain
DISMANTLE THE FUCKING SYSTEM
The priest are yelling and the police are killing
As the blood runs thick from the dead civilians
The system says the end justifies the means
But we'll have no more of your destructive schemes
The system is responsible for this world of hate
We should be able to run our lives and determine our fate
The system stands with its power over all
But if we work together we can WATCH IT FALL!!
Lyrics submitted by x.dave.x
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.