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.
it was late last night
I think it was a Tuesday
I left my home with broken bones and bruises
I was drinkin a beer when the devil came to my head
he said "hey punkabilly have you go a light?"
I said "sure man" so I lit his pipe
he said "boy I like the grease in your hair"
with an evil gleam in his eyes
and a grin in his teeth
he said "Ethan man I came to make your peace
your souls got something I need"
with flames down his arms
and his street like charm he said
"boy I can take away your pain"
he'd met his match
he just shouldn’t have fucked with the devil in ETHAN WAYNE
"well I know what you want
I can get what you need
just one thing sign you soul to me
and you'll never ever have to feel...
this pain again so lets decide
you'll roll the dice
and your soul is mine if
we see those black snake eyes"
A game with the devil ain’t a pretty thing
I said "if play I play to win
but I just don’t like your style"
with flames down his arms
and his street like charm
he said" boy I can take away your pain"
he'd met his match
he just shouldn’t have fucked with the devil in ETHAN WAYNE!
(repeat once more)
I think it was a Tuesday
I left my home with broken bones and bruises
I was drinkin a beer when the devil came to my head
he said "hey punkabilly have you go a light?"
I said "sure man" so I lit his pipe
he said "boy I like the grease in your hair"
with an evil gleam in his eyes
and a grin in his teeth
he said "Ethan man I came to make your peace
your souls got something I need"
with flames down his arms
and his street like charm he said
"boy I can take away your pain"
he'd met his match
he just shouldn’t have fucked with the devil in ETHAN WAYNE
"well I know what you want
I can get what you need
just one thing sign you soul to me
and you'll never ever have to feel...
this pain again so lets decide
you'll roll the dice
and your soul is mine if
we see those black snake eyes"
A game with the devil ain’t a pretty thing
I said "if play I play to win
but I just don’t like your style"
with flames down his arms
and his street like charm
he said" boy I can take away your pain"
he'd met his match
he just shouldn’t have fucked with the devil in ETHAN WAYNE!
(repeat once more)
Lyrics submitted by MooWasHere
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