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.
Well the sun grew dim and the night grew tall
Everyone's dancing in the dirty dance hall
The chins they did wobble, the eyes did stare
There was a sense of threat in the air
Everyone's dancing, feeling fine
But looking like Zombies, as though they're dying
I stood alone in the darkened room
My mouth is dry and my heart goes boom
Oh the dogs and the vermin were mooching in the streets
Sniffing out the candy and the left over meat
Down in the alley a tramp falls asleep
Murdering the hooker and chops off their feet
Everyone's dancing, feeling fine
But looking like Zombies, as though they're dying
I stood alone in the darkened room
My mouth is dry and my heart goes boom
This is just a night in the City of Culture
But everyone's whacked and looks like vultures (4x)
All the lights came on and the music stopped
Men in uniform outside on watch
The tramp waits by the bush to pounce
Woken up again by a young girl's shout
Closing up the club, a fight breaks out
All the Black Mariahs were left in no doubt
One got killed another one ran
They ended up arresting an innocent man
This is just a night in the City of Culture
But everyone's whacked and looks like vultures (4x)
Everyone's dancing in the dirty dance hall
The chins they did wobble, the eyes did stare
There was a sense of threat in the air
Everyone's dancing, feeling fine
But looking like Zombies, as though they're dying
I stood alone in the darkened room
My mouth is dry and my heart goes boom
Oh the dogs and the vermin were mooching in the streets
Sniffing out the candy and the left over meat
Down in the alley a tramp falls asleep
Murdering the hooker and chops off their feet
Everyone's dancing, feeling fine
But looking like Zombies, as though they're dying
I stood alone in the darkened room
My mouth is dry and my heart goes boom
This is just a night in the City of Culture
But everyone's whacked and looks like vultures (4x)
All the lights came on and the music stopped
Men in uniform outside on watch
The tramp waits by the bush to pounce
Woken up again by a young girl's shout
Closing up the club, a fight breaks out
All the Black Mariahs were left in no doubt
One got killed another one ran
They ended up arresting an innocent man
This is just a night in the City of Culture
But everyone's whacked and looks like vultures (4x)
Lyrics submitted by divisiongroup
Dirty Dancehall Lyrics as written by Boyan Chowdhury Abigail Harding
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Why no-one's commented on this I'll never know!! What a tune!! I love the upbeat melodic stuff like Remember Me, but their moody stuff (Havana Gang Brawl, Long Time Coming and this) are just superb. This one being my favourite. The chorus is soooo ace...and David McCabe's voice suits this so well. Can't wait for the second alb. "Down in the alley a tramp falls asleep Murdering the hooker and chops off their feet"
Zutons = imaginative feckers!
This song makes me think of dark streets full of junkies and prostitutes o_O lmao. But its very good, very catchy, something very creepy about it though. And the parts after the chorus where Dave goes "ooh!" just make me laugh...
Being a student in the bands hometown gives extra insight! This song seems certainly to describe the club known as "The Razz" in Concert Square in Liverpool - If you've ever been you'll know what I mean! People either love it or hate it... apparently The Zutons are not it's biggest fan! Liverpool is a vibrant place... Go and experience it!
i'm from liverpool as well, The chins did wobble, the eyes did stare There was a sense of threat in the air talking about people on drugs, alot of idiots take pills in liverpool,can be great one minute next minute people are fighting,its still a great place if your in the right place like the student bars maybe
jez1987 - I've been away from Liverpool for a few years now, but surely the Razz isn't in Concert Square?!
Awesome ending. The song pretty much sums up most nights out in Britain's towns.
ahh, but it says City Of Culture, which suggests its about The City Of Culture. XD. I'm in a strange mood
i think this is the best song on the album. love it.