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.
(Frankie Vaughn)
If you peruse the people in the news,
The people that the magazines refer to.
(Marilyn Monroe)
You'll find that they are naturally soigné,
The special ones that all of us refer to.
(Frankie Vaughn)
They've each a trait that seems to state first raters.
(Marilyn Monroe)
That separates them from the small potaters.
(Frankie Vaughn)
Maria Callas
Is booked in Dallas.
The carpet's rolled out and they're sold out clear to the skies.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialization, specialization.
(Frankie Vaughn)
They'll love your high notes if
(Marilyn Monroe)
If you specialize.
(Frankie Vaughn)
When Elvis rotates,
Each creep notates.
It may look funny,
But the money's what it supplies.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialization, specialization.
(Frankie Vaughn)
You'll meet the colonel if
(Marilyn Monroe)
If you specialize.
(Frankie Vaughn)
Salome did it with veils.
Abe Lincoln did it with rails.
Toledo did it with scales
The Chinese built that Wall.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialized star.
(Frankie Vaughn)
Marc Clement gives gals the tremors.
This Casanova sure has the roverest eyes.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialization, specialization.
(Frankie Vaughn)
You'll rule the barnyard if
(Marilyn Monroe)
If you specialize.
(Frankie Vaughn)
The Farrows did it with springs.
And Darwin did it with links.
Some robbers did it with Brinks.
Carnegie used a Hall.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialized star.
(Frankie Vaughn)
Van Cliberen caused us a high burn.
While we were blushin'
Some Russian gave him the prize.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialization, specialization.
(Frankie Vaughn)
They'll give you medals if,
They'll love your high notes if,
You'll meet the Colonel if,
You'll rule the barnyard if,
(Marilyn Monroe)
If you specialize!
I specialize.
If you peruse the people in the news,
The people that the magazines refer to.
(Marilyn Monroe)
You'll find that they are naturally soigné,
The special ones that all of us refer to.
(Frankie Vaughn)
They've each a trait that seems to state first raters.
(Marilyn Monroe)
That separates them from the small potaters.
(Frankie Vaughn)
Maria Callas
Is booked in Dallas.
The carpet's rolled out and they're sold out clear to the skies.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialization, specialization.
(Frankie Vaughn)
They'll love your high notes if
(Marilyn Monroe)
If you specialize.
(Frankie Vaughn)
When Elvis rotates,
Each creep notates.
It may look funny,
But the money's what it supplies.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialization, specialization.
(Frankie Vaughn)
You'll meet the colonel if
(Marilyn Monroe)
If you specialize.
(Frankie Vaughn)
Salome did it with veils.
Abe Lincoln did it with rails.
Toledo did it with scales
The Chinese built that Wall.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialized star.
(Frankie Vaughn)
Marc Clement gives gals the tremors.
This Casanova sure has the roverest eyes.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialization, specialization.
(Frankie Vaughn)
You'll rule the barnyard if
(Marilyn Monroe)
If you specialize.
(Frankie Vaughn)
The Farrows did it with springs.
And Darwin did it with links.
Some robbers did it with Brinks.
Carnegie used a Hall.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialized star.
(Frankie Vaughn)
Van Cliberen caused us a high burn.
While we were blushin'
Some Russian gave him the prize.
(Marilyn Monroe)
Specialization, specialization.
(Frankie Vaughn)
They'll give you medals if,
They'll love your high notes if,
You'll meet the Colonel if,
You'll rule the barnyard if,
(Marilyn Monroe)
If you specialize!
I specialize.
Lyrics submitted by Maliejandra
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