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.
I just can't believe all the things people say
Controversy
Am I black or white? Am I straight or gay?
Controversy
Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me?
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
I can't understand human curiosity
Controversy
Was it good for you? Was I what you wanted me to be?
Controversy
Do you get high? Does your daddy cry?
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me? (Yeah, yeah)
Some people want to die so they can be free
I said, life is just a game, we're all just the same
Do you want to play?
Yeah, oh, yeah
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Ooh (ooh)
Ooh
Controversy
Controversy
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Love him, love him, baby
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Oh, yeah, yeah, controversy
Controversy, oh, yeah
Controversy
Listen
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
Ah, ye, hey
Controversy
Oh, yeah, controversy
Do I believe in God, do I believe in me?
Let me tell ya
Some people want to die so they can be free
I said life is just a game, we're all just the same
Don't ya want to play?
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Am I black or white? Am I straight or gay?
Controversy
Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me?
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
I can't understand human curiosity
Controversy
Was it good for you? Was I what you wanted me to be?
Controversy
Do you get high? Does your daddy cry?
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me? (Yeah, yeah)
Some people want to die so they can be free
I said, life is just a game, we're all just the same
Do you want to play?
Yeah, oh, yeah
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Ooh (ooh)
Ooh
Controversy
Controversy
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Love him, love him, baby
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Oh, yeah, yeah, controversy
Controversy, oh, yeah
Controversy
Listen
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules
Ah, ye, hey
Controversy
Oh, yeah, controversy
Do I believe in God, do I believe in me?
Let me tell ya
Some people want to die so they can be free
I said life is just a game, we're all just the same
Don't ya want to play?
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Controversy
Lyrics submitted by Gothy_Bura
Controversy Lyrics as written by Prince Rogers Nelson
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Groovy, funky song.
This song is so cool, the beat is weird, i like it :)
I understand the lyrics, but I don't understand why Prince was dressed as a priest in the video for this song..... Can someone please explain?
It may have something to do with his use of the Lord's Prayer in the break, not to mention that back in the day, dressing like a priest when you were not one could stir up the status quo, and, therefore be the cause of 'Controversy'. <br /> <br /> (I know this reply is a few years too late, but what the heyyy....lol)
@jtm101583 Do I believe in God, do I believe in me?<br /> <br /> he explains it right there...
I luv this song, this is Prince at his best, definetly one of the best songs of all time. :)
prince is an absolute genius
Prince is such an amazing artist and this song is pure funk at it's finest!