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.
There is this thing that's like touching, except you don't touch.
Back in the day it just went without saying at all.
All the world's history gradually dieing of shock.
There is this thing that's called talking, except you don't talk.
You sing
You sing
Sing for the bartender, sing for the janitor, sing.
Sing for the cameras, sing for the animals, sing.
Sing for the children, shooting the children, sing.
Sing for the teachers who told you that you couldn't sing
Just sing
There is this keeping everyone's lungs and lips locked.
It is called fear and it's seeing a great renaissance.
But after the show, you cannot sing whenever you want to.
But for now, let's pretend that we're all gonna get (???)
So sing
Sing cause it's obvious, sing for the astronauts, sing.
Sing for the president, sing for the terrorist, sing.
Sing for the bregaiders, sing for the painters, yeah, sing.
Oh and sing for the kid with the phone who refuses to sing.
Just sing
Life is no cabaret.
We don't don't care what you say.
(??????)
You mother fucker, you sing something!
You mother fucker, you sing something!
And I miss you. You seem so far away.
I want to hold you in my arms.
Back in the day it just went without saying at all.
All the world's history gradually dieing of shock.
There is this thing that's called talking, except you don't talk.
You sing
You sing
Sing for the bartender, sing for the janitor, sing.
Sing for the cameras, sing for the animals, sing.
Sing for the children, shooting the children, sing.
Sing for the teachers who told you that you couldn't sing
Just sing
There is this keeping everyone's lungs and lips locked.
It is called fear and it's seeing a great renaissance.
But after the show, you cannot sing whenever you want to.
But for now, let's pretend that we're all gonna get (???)
So sing
Sing cause it's obvious, sing for the astronauts, sing.
Sing for the president, sing for the terrorist, sing.
Sing for the bregaiders, sing for the painters, yeah, sing.
Oh and sing for the kid with the phone who refuses to sing.
Just sing
Life is no cabaret.
We don't don't care what you say.
(??????)
You mother fucker, you sing something!
You mother fucker, you sing something!
And I miss you. You seem so far away.
I want to hold you in my arms.
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This Song Is a DRESDEN DOLLS song. Whom are equally awesome. This is HOWEVER, NOT a red paintings song. peace.
Actually, Just, while you are correct in asserting that The Dresden Dolls wrote this song, The Red Paintings covered this song on their latest CD, "Feed The Wolf".
And the cover is amaaaazing. You should get the album if you can.
The first line is actually: "There's this thing thats like touching except you dont touch"
Wait, these lyrics are wrong.. Trash changed them when TRPs covered it.
yeah
this is a song written by the incredible and beautiful amanda palmer of the dresden dolls.
she said she's always been unsure about the kids at shows singing along to her songs, so this song is a reaction to that.
i know the red paintings are one of amanda's favourite bands though, which is probably why she let them cover it.
i haven't actually heard this cover yet though.
Right, exactly. The Red Paintings opened for The Dresden Dolls when they toured the States - it was TRP's first time in America.
As for this song, the version that's on the Feed the Wolf EP has the lyrics that Motherwar_xx has.
You can stream the cover of this song here: obscuresound.com/mp3/redpaint-sin.mp3
The strings on this cover are insanely beautiful.
true Braille! but... it's still not their song. ^.^ some people might get confused. maybe if it had (cover) in brackets or whatever. anyways I do plan on getting the FTW cd eventually. :)
Oh my god!!! "Sing", by the Dresden Dolls who i love with all of my Heart and Soul, covered by this band who i am really warming to... i feel a new obsession coming on...
i enjoy the red paintings' cover more than the original.