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.
In great numbers we advance before dawn
By the great hail this great fight is born
Among the clouds now our black wings fills the air
No more front lines the holy battle is everywhere
Though death may await me on the battlefield
I die to go on but by the great hail I will go,
I am marching under the runes
Countless victories we fight side by side
Deep down in the oceans on land and way up in the sky
Comed this far now there is no way back or return
If we do withdraw the horizon will seem to burn
Though death now is closing in on me
I die to go on but by the great hail I will go,
I am fighting under the runes
Standing here now amidst the hell we have made
All signs of a wonder or to survive now seems to fade
But I am a fighter and I still have my pride
They are gonna have to kill, by my own hand I refuse to die
Though now death is all that awaits me
I die to go on but by the great hail I will go
I am dying under the runes
By the great hail this great fight is born
Among the clouds now our black wings fills the air
No more front lines the holy battle is everywhere
Though death may await me on the battlefield
I die to go on but by the great hail I will go,
I am marching under the runes
Countless victories we fight side by side
Deep down in the oceans on land and way up in the sky
Comed this far now there is no way back or return
If we do withdraw the horizon will seem to burn
Though death now is closing in on me
I die to go on but by the great hail I will go,
I am fighting under the runes
Standing here now amidst the hell we have made
All signs of a wonder or to survive now seems to fade
But I am a fighter and I still have my pride
They are gonna have to kill, by my own hand I refuse to die
Though now death is all that awaits me
I die to go on but by the great hail I will go
I am dying under the runes
Lyrics submitted by Disposition_987, edited by Senllus, Chard121, t0b
Under the Runes Lyrics as written by Quorthon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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