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.
We may look different but we see the same sky
We may see different but we cry the same cry
To wake up daily and sleep better nights
That's what we all wish for to seek a better life right?
It's unfortunate when tragedy strikes
But the truth is reality bites
June 4th '89 a day residents feared
Now known as the massacre at Tienamen Square
The day I turned seven they were mourning and grieving
Thousands of innocent died for what they believed in
Armed with nothing but heart and a point to prove
Stood in front of tanks and refused to move
What would you do? run or stand still
When a lifes on the line and they test a man's will
Seeking change and they found it but in death
Strangers yet they were my blood and flesh
This happened in China but you ain't gotta be Asian to relate
To the struggle pain and heartache so
You'll never know you'll never get it
There is no choice we can't forget it
When we look up we see the same sky
When we look up we cry the very same cry
See I'm a grown man
It hurts when I turn on the news and see what's going on in my homeland
The SARS epidemic could have been lies
Could it stand for should Asians really survive
They'll try anything to break your family apart
Politics'll break down the manliest heart
Can the child within my heart rise above?
If there's a billion of us I shouldn't have to look for love
Over-population but damn just the meet the needs
It's illegal to have more than one seed
How can you dictate birth regardless to women
And the parents they make the hardest decisions
Sons keep the family name so that's not an option
Imagine being forced to put your daughter for adoption
And even though its beyond your control
Keep your head up here's a song for your soul
You'll never know you'll never get it
There is no choice we can't forget it
When we look up we see the same sky
When we look up we cry the very same cry
If you don't know where you came from
You can't get to where you trying to go
Ain't no denying so
It's true I got some big shoes to fill
But if I don't lead the movement than who will?
Stuck between a rock and a hard place
Thinkin' bout the refugees that went to see God's face
Sixteen-thousand miles across the ocean tides
Some died some got lucky and survived
I wouldn't call it luck they reached the destination
Modern day slavery without the plantation
Them sneakers on your feet cost a hundred a pop
My people's making fifteen cents a day and sweat shots
To make them kicks so you can look good
You think we open restaurants 'cause we cook good?
Hell no we ain't got no choice
I gotta speak up without me my people have no voice
You'll never know you'll never get it
There is no choice we can't forget it
When we look up we see the same sky
When we look up we cry the very same cry
We may see different but we cry the same cry
To wake up daily and sleep better nights
That's what we all wish for to seek a better life right?
It's unfortunate when tragedy strikes
But the truth is reality bites
June 4th '89 a day residents feared
Now known as the massacre at Tienamen Square
The day I turned seven they were mourning and grieving
Thousands of innocent died for what they believed in
Armed with nothing but heart and a point to prove
Stood in front of tanks and refused to move
What would you do? run or stand still
When a lifes on the line and they test a man's will
Seeking change and they found it but in death
Strangers yet they were my blood and flesh
This happened in China but you ain't gotta be Asian to relate
To the struggle pain and heartache so
You'll never know you'll never get it
There is no choice we can't forget it
When we look up we see the same sky
When we look up we cry the very same cry
See I'm a grown man
It hurts when I turn on the news and see what's going on in my homeland
The SARS epidemic could have been lies
Could it stand for should Asians really survive
They'll try anything to break your family apart
Politics'll break down the manliest heart
Can the child within my heart rise above?
If there's a billion of us I shouldn't have to look for love
Over-population but damn just the meet the needs
It's illegal to have more than one seed
How can you dictate birth regardless to women
And the parents they make the hardest decisions
Sons keep the family name so that's not an option
Imagine being forced to put your daughter for adoption
And even though its beyond your control
Keep your head up here's a song for your soul
You'll never know you'll never get it
There is no choice we can't forget it
When we look up we see the same sky
When we look up we cry the very same cry
If you don't know where you came from
You can't get to where you trying to go
Ain't no denying so
It's true I got some big shoes to fill
But if I don't lead the movement than who will?
Stuck between a rock and a hard place
Thinkin' bout the refugees that went to see God's face
Sixteen-thousand miles across the ocean tides
Some died some got lucky and survived
I wouldn't call it luck they reached the destination
Modern day slavery without the plantation
Them sneakers on your feet cost a hundred a pop
My people's making fifteen cents a day and sweat shots
To make them kicks so you can look good
You think we open restaurants 'cause we cook good?
Hell no we ain't got no choice
I gotta speak up without me my people have no voice
You'll never know you'll never get it
There is no choice we can't forget it
When we look up we see the same sky
When we look up we cry the very same cry
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Great version of a great song,
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i love this song it stops and makes u think