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.
Selfdefense or murder of first degree.
Tell me who are you to pass judgement.
Raise my hand in anger,
a just cause, to pacify the aggressor at all cost.
So what is the law?
When all else fails, there's nothing left.
Given a choice.
Stand back or suffer the consequences.
Three times,
my fist came down.
So what is the law?
When all else fails, there's nothing left.
Given a choice.
Stand back or suffer the consequences right now.
[spoken]
I refuse to be victimized, or given your pathetic fucking powertrip.
You're not looking to kill anyone, you just want to display how big and
strong you are.
Well, check again motherfucker!
Do you think that you'll live forever?
I have no qualms about mortalizing your arse!
Check again motherfucker!
You're in the real world now.
So how does that feel for a change?
How does it feel to be the victim?
Victim..victim...victim
Twisted indifference,
Violence against violence.
Destroy resistance.
Violence against violence.
Selfdefense or murder at first degree.
Tell me who are you to pass judgement?
Cold reality, suffer the ultimate truth.
Die motherfucker!
So what is the law?
When all else fails, there's nothing left.
Given a choice.
Stand back or suffer the consequences right now.
Three times,
three times
my fist came down, down, down
Tell me who are you to pass judgement.
Raise my hand in anger,
a just cause, to pacify the aggressor at all cost.
So what is the law?
When all else fails, there's nothing left.
Given a choice.
Stand back or suffer the consequences.
Three times,
my fist came down.
So what is the law?
When all else fails, there's nothing left.
Given a choice.
Stand back or suffer the consequences right now.
[spoken]
I refuse to be victimized, or given your pathetic fucking powertrip.
You're not looking to kill anyone, you just want to display how big and
strong you are.
Well, check again motherfucker!
Do you think that you'll live forever?
I have no qualms about mortalizing your arse!
Check again motherfucker!
You're in the real world now.
So how does that feel for a change?
How does it feel to be the victim?
Victim..victim...victim
Twisted indifference,
Violence against violence.
Destroy resistance.
Violence against violence.
Selfdefense or murder at first degree.
Tell me who are you to pass judgement?
Cold reality, suffer the ultimate truth.
Die motherfucker!
So what is the law?
When all else fails, there's nothing left.
Given a choice.
Stand back or suffer the consequences right now.
Three times,
three times
my fist came down, down, down
Lyrics submitted by ricoetc
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