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 write to give word the war is over
Send my cinders home to mother
They gave me a medal for my valor
Leaden trumpets spit the soot of power
They say, "I'm on your side
"When nobody is, 'cause nobody is
"Come sit right here and sleep
"While I slip poison in your ear"
We are waiting on a telegram
To give us news of the fall
I am sorry to report
Dear Paris is burning after all
We have taken to the streets
In open rejoice revolting
We are dancing a black waltz
Fair Paris is burning after all
Enclosed in this letter there's a picture
Black and white for your refrigerator
Sticks and stones have made me smarter
It's words that cut me under my armor
They say, "I'm on your side
"When nobody is, 'cause nobody is
"Come sit right here and sleep
"While I slip poison in your ear"
We are waiting on a telegram
To give us news of the fall
I am sorry to report
Dear Paris is burning after all
We have taken to the streets
In open rejoice revolting
We are dancing a black waltz
Fair Paris is burning after all
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
Send my cinders home to mother
They gave me a medal for my valor
Leaden trumpets spit the soot of power
They say, "I'm on your side
"When nobody is, 'cause nobody is
"Come sit right here and sleep
"While I slip poison in your ear"
We are waiting on a telegram
To give us news of the fall
I am sorry to report
Dear Paris is burning after all
We have taken to the streets
In open rejoice revolting
We are dancing a black waltz
Fair Paris is burning after all
Enclosed in this letter there's a picture
Black and white for your refrigerator
Sticks and stones have made me smarter
It's words that cut me under my armor
They say, "I'm on your side
"When nobody is, 'cause nobody is
"Come sit right here and sleep
"While I slip poison in your ear"
We are waiting on a telegram
To give us news of the fall
I am sorry to report
Dear Paris is burning after all
We have taken to the streets
In open rejoice revolting
We are dancing a black waltz
Fair Paris is burning after all
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris to the ground
Dance poor people, dance and drown
Dance fair Paris, ashes now
Lyrics submitted by mistercrinkles
Paris Is Burning Lyrics as written by Anne Erin Clark
Lyrics © Takwene LLC, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Iricom US Ltd, Songtrust Ave
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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