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.
You know, Dade County Jail
Is nine stories tall
I say Dade County Jail
Is nine stories tall
Air conditioned from wall to wall
Still they can’t find a bed for
No they can’t find a bed
For juvenile Hall
Now the building was built
For just fifty two
To one hundred and twenty now
My how they grew
Governor Foss Bryant
Now, what you gonna do
When they can’t find a bed
For Juvenile Hall
I say Dade County Jail
Is nine stories tall now
Air conditioned from wall to wall
They’re not even usin’
Three floors at all
Still they can’t find a bed for
No they can’t find a bed
For Juvenile Hall
Now, I've seen your courthouse
With its big shiny doors
I've seen your church windows
Costin' thousands or more
But I've never seen
Children sleepin' on floors
Still they can't flnd a bed for
No, they can't find a bed
For Juvenlle Hall
Hey there, all you mothers
Your good City Fathers
Aren't even good brothers
When they can't find a bed for
No, they can't find a bed
For Juvenile Hall
I've seen your Torch of Friendship
In Bay Front Park
How can you speak of friendship
With your chlldren in the dark
They got a park
For fhe senior citlzen's ball
They can't find a bed for.
No, they can't find a bed
For Juvenile Hall
I say Dade County Jail...
Can't find a bed for Juvenile Hall
Is nine stories tall
I say Dade County Jail
Is nine stories tall
Air conditioned from wall to wall
Still they can’t find a bed for
No they can’t find a bed
For juvenile Hall
Now the building was built
For just fifty two
To one hundred and twenty now
My how they grew
Governor Foss Bryant
Now, what you gonna do
When they can’t find a bed
For Juvenile Hall
I say Dade County Jail
Is nine stories tall now
Air conditioned from wall to wall
They’re not even usin’
Three floors at all
Still they can’t find a bed for
No they can’t find a bed
For Juvenile Hall
Now, I've seen your courthouse
With its big shiny doors
I've seen your church windows
Costin' thousands or more
But I've never seen
Children sleepin' on floors
Still they can't flnd a bed for
No, they can't find a bed
For Juvenlle Hall
Hey there, all you mothers
Your good City Fathers
Aren't even good brothers
When they can't find a bed for
No, they can't find a bed
For Juvenile Hall
I've seen your Torch of Friendship
In Bay Front Park
How can you speak of friendship
With your chlldren in the dark
They got a park
For fhe senior citlzen's ball
They can't find a bed for.
No, they can't find a bed
For Juvenile Hall
I say Dade County Jail...
Can't find a bed for Juvenile Hall
Lyrics submitted by Rut
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