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.
Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey............
My friend was off in 'Nam
He died but his name is on the wall
Our president was getting high
While my best friend died
Now he's doing the same!
Killing in the name!
Of his ego, of his lies!
Woah Woah Woah!
Doesn't care about the death
Caused by his lies....
My friend was born poor
He didn't really have a choice
Didn't have the connections
To escape the War...
Now he's doing the same!
Killing in the name!
Of his ego, of his lies!
Woah Woah Woah!
Doesn't care about the death
Caused by his lies....
Woah!
Regime change in the USA!
Woah!
Regime Change in the USA!
All the youth must unite, to stop the tears that our world cries.
Now he's doing the same!
Killing in the name!
Of his ego, of his lies!
Woah Woah Woah!
Doesn't care about the death
Caused by his lies....
We pray to God for peace
Peace Peace Peace Peace
To defeat a tyrant is to end a war
My friend was off in 'Nam
He died but his name is on the wall
Our president was getting high
While my best friend died
Now he's doing the same!
Killing in the name!
Of his ego, of his lies!
Woah Woah Woah!
Doesn't care about the death
Caused by his lies....
My friend was born poor
He didn't really have a choice
Didn't have the connections
To escape the War...
Now he's doing the same!
Killing in the name!
Of his ego, of his lies!
Woah Woah Woah!
Doesn't care about the death
Caused by his lies....
Woah!
Regime change in the USA!
Woah!
Regime Change in the USA!
All the youth must unite, to stop the tears that our world cries.
Now he's doing the same!
Killing in the name!
Of his ego, of his lies!
Woah Woah Woah!
Doesn't care about the death
Caused by his lies....
We pray to God for peace
Peace Peace Peace Peace
To defeat a tyrant is to end a war
Lyrics submitted by tenserock
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
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Whatever happened to the protest song? Nowadays we get this crap to protest wars, instead of anything with subversive subtlety. Oh no, your friend is off at war because he joined the military thinking it was a free meal ticket!