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.
When there's a trap set up for you
In every corner of this town
And so you learn the only way to go is underground
When there's a trap set up for you
In every corner of your room
And so you learn the only way to go is through the roof
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
And as we're crossing border after border
We realize that difference is none
It's underdogs who, and if you want it
You always have to make your own fun
And as the upperdog leisurely sighing
The local cultures are dying and dying
The programmed robots are buying and buying
And a psycho load of freaks they are still trying trying
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
And as the boy scouts learn to read between the lines
The silver rabbits hop between their fathers' lies
And boy scouts ask "Where? Where do they go?"
They go to the country that they only know
Just like their meanings they lay between the lines
Between the borders their real countries hide
The strategigo's saw their advertise
Their strategy of being is one of in-your-face disguise
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground!
And when their own walls they will a-crumble,
And all the systems will be discumbumbled,
Around the stump of bigotry, our own [Ukrainian].
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, and underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof! Underground!
[Ukrainian]
Through the roof! And underground!
Through the roof! Underground!
In every corner of this town
And so you learn the only way to go is underground
When there's a trap set up for you
In every corner of your room
And so you learn the only way to go is through the roof
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
And as we're crossing border after border
We realize that difference is none
It's underdogs who, and if you want it
You always have to make your own fun
And as the upperdog leisurely sighing
The local cultures are dying and dying
The programmed robots are buying and buying
And a psycho load of freaks they are still trying trying
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
And as the boy scouts learn to read between the lines
The silver rabbits hop between their fathers' lies
And boy scouts ask "Where? Where do they go?"
They go to the country that they only know
Just like their meanings they lay between the lines
Between the borders their real countries hide
The strategigo's saw their advertise
Their strategy of being is one of in-your-face disguise
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground!
And when their own walls they will a-crumble,
And all the systems will be discumbumbled,
Around the stump of bigotry, our own [Ukrainian].
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, and underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof, underground
Ooohoohoooh through the roof! Underground!
[Ukrainian]
Through the roof! And underground!
Through the roof! Underground!
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wristcutters as well great movie great soundtrack