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.
Praised by all of thee
His hands are raised in order to bring salvation
Monarchy to hierarchy
Imminent excision
Propaganda for the "one true god"
Leaving your eternity feared
Denouncing dictation remove his lead
Exercise his lethal decision
The pontiff is gone, you are the one
To carry out and learn from your beliefs
Follow no more, the pope's been destroyed
An individual church of the will shall succeed
Papal supremacy...
Intertwining with infallibility
A dawning of a new faith arising now
The sheep without the shepherd evermore
Consumed by overconfident assumptions
The puritanic elders couldn't score
A holiday in Rome, people will not forget
The tires on the popemobile are slashed
A switch of a blade and a thrust through his stole
Steal his rings and pawn them in for cash
Some will let you be yourself
Others try to rule your soul
Imperials and rebels all trying to regain control
Roll out the red carpet, here comes our prince
The day He died, we've been crusaders since
Catholicism breaks in two
Time is running out for you
If the father of the church is to lead and teach you
Then why doesn't he follow the rules?
Imitate the son of man and live with the poor
Instead of fearing him while he's on tour
Avoid, abstain
Keep clean your life, your heart and soul
Don't miss the mass, you'll go to hell
You must repent and tell your sins
Pope, die!
You lied to me, my wife and child
Storm the Vatican, tear it down
The church is gone, we have won!
His hands are raised in order to bring salvation
Monarchy to hierarchy
Imminent excision
Propaganda for the "one true god"
Leaving your eternity feared
Denouncing dictation remove his lead
Exercise his lethal decision
The pontiff is gone, you are the one
To carry out and learn from your beliefs
Follow no more, the pope's been destroyed
An individual church of the will shall succeed
Papal supremacy...
Intertwining with infallibility
A dawning of a new faith arising now
The sheep without the shepherd evermore
Consumed by overconfident assumptions
The puritanic elders couldn't score
A holiday in Rome, people will not forget
The tires on the popemobile are slashed
A switch of a blade and a thrust through his stole
Steal his rings and pawn them in for cash
Some will let you be yourself
Others try to rule your soul
Imperials and rebels all trying to regain control
Roll out the red carpet, here comes our prince
The day He died, we've been crusaders since
Catholicism breaks in two
Time is running out for you
If the father of the church is to lead and teach you
Then why doesn't he follow the rules?
Imitate the son of man and live with the poor
Instead of fearing him while he's on tour
Avoid, abstain
Keep clean your life, your heart and soul
Don't miss the mass, you'll go to hell
You must repent and tell your sins
Pope, die!
You lied to me, my wife and child
Storm the Vatican, tear it down
The church is gone, we have won!
Lyrics submitted by crazydude1992
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.