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 telling the fable of men
The Demise of lies
Let the Underdog be the narrator
Behold the kingdom's rise
Always being held down, the weaker part
You see, that's the state of the art
Father from truth, further from sight
So whoever yelled "might's right"?
A glimmer from the past
The stronger can easily fabricate
A life ending so fast
Anything impious you'll ever advocate
A glint of truth, a vision of rectitude
Whoever took that as bad attitude?
The Underdog will forever remain the unofficial hero
Pictured in a golden covered frame
The Demise of lies
Let the Underdog be the narrator
Behold the kingdom's rise
Always being held down, the weaker part
You see, that's the state of the art
Father from truth, further from sight
So whoever yelled "might's right"?
A glimmer from the past
The stronger can easily fabricate
A life ending so fast
Anything impious you'll ever advocate
A glint of truth, a vision of rectitude
Whoever took that as bad attitude?
The Underdog will forever remain the unofficial hero
Pictured in a golden covered frame
Lyrics submitted by Bloodmouth
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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