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.
Well the shark has pretty teeth, dear
And he shows them pearly white.
But MacHeath, dear, is a sailor
And he keeps them out of sight.
Ha, huh, huh.
You know he keeps them out of sight, hmm yeah.
They're white, white, white,
White, white, white,
White, white, white, yeah.
And he shows them pearly white.
But MacHeath, dear, is a sailor
And he keeps them out of sight.
Ha, huh, huh.
You know he keeps them out of sight, hmm yeah.
They're white, white, white,
White, white, white,
White, white, white, yeah.
Lyrics submitted by yuri_sucupira
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Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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this is bobby darin you tools exactly when and where did morrison ever cover this?
This song was written by the famous writing team Brecht/Veill. I've heard a live version somewhere with the lyrics to this song and the music to Alabama Song. It's interesting.
I loved this boss in Super Mario RPG!
I have NEVER heard The Doors perform this song, but the lyrics as transcribed here look like the way Jim would sing it. They're white, white, white, yeah.
The original is Die Moritat von Mackie Messer from The Threepenny Opera as per octopuseyes. By Kurt Weill with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht.