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 all time began the holy council guards the light
They saw dawn of man, made by gods to serve their pride
Their slave, he fell from grace, he became the renegade
But evilness took place, cause a darkened force lurked in the shade
Silent wings of black, shadowed all the good at heart
The snake on the attack, shot to bite right off dark
The poison in their vein, freezed their soul, their heart, their mind
So they praised the evil's name, the beast to serve, the world to grind
Time of all eternity, can never change the final destiny
The purified that stood the fight, will be saved to see the world of light
The rivalry, since eternity, the final fight the blackened world to free
Lost in hate, determined fate, all evil's damned to walk the fiery gate
The time is right at hand, to see the truth behind the lie
Decade of evils end, the poisoned heart is doomed to die
The chosen one is here, they're in a deadly fix
He is the one they fear, cause he is up to all their tricks
Time of all eternity, can never change the final destiny
The purified that stood the fight, will be saved to see the world of light
The rivalry, since eternity, the final fight the blackened world to free
Lost in hate, determined fate, all evil's damned to walk the fiery gate
They saw dawn of man, made by gods to serve their pride
Their slave, he fell from grace, he became the renegade
But evilness took place, cause a darkened force lurked in the shade
Silent wings of black, shadowed all the good at heart
The snake on the attack, shot to bite right off dark
The poison in their vein, freezed their soul, their heart, their mind
So they praised the evil's name, the beast to serve, the world to grind
Time of all eternity, can never change the final destiny
The purified that stood the fight, will be saved to see the world of light
The rivalry, since eternity, the final fight the blackened world to free
Lost in hate, determined fate, all evil's damned to walk the fiery gate
The time is right at hand, to see the truth behind the lie
Decade of evils end, the poisoned heart is doomed to die
The chosen one is here, they're in a deadly fix
He is the one they fear, cause he is up to all their tricks
Time of all eternity, can never change the final destiny
The purified that stood the fight, will be saved to see the world of light
The rivalry, since eternity, the final fight the blackened world to free
Lost in hate, determined fate, all evil's damned to walk the fiery gate
Lyrics submitted by Soul at Zero
The Rivalry Lyrics as written by Rolf Kasparek
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
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.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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.