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 barely get to the graveyard shift on time
After pulling another grueling 9 to 5
I live from credit card to check
The paper money's whirling by
And I hardly just
Just barely only just survive
I'm living on the edge
Reality is teetering
My mind is on the brink
How will I face the day tomorrow
If I can't make it through today
I've got nothing left to lose but my sanity
And the right to go insane
I've got nothing left to lose but my mind
I've got nothing left to choose
So I think I'll go insane
My stomach aches
Insufficient funds
My cheeks are gaunt
And my guts are overdrawn
My head pounds
Starvation's giving me the shakes
Too much squalor
Too much pressure
Now I'm getting pissed
I'm living on the edge
Reality is teetering
My mind is on the brink
How will I face the day tomorrow
If I can't make it through today
I've got nothing left to lose but my sanity
And the right to go insane
I've got nothing left to lose but my mind
I've got nothing left to choose
So I think I'll go insane
After pulling another grueling 9 to 5
I live from credit card to check
The paper money's whirling by
And I hardly just
Just barely only just survive
I'm living on the edge
Reality is teetering
My mind is on the brink
How will I face the day tomorrow
If I can't make it through today
I've got nothing left to lose but my sanity
And the right to go insane
I've got nothing left to lose but my mind
I've got nothing left to choose
So I think I'll go insane
My stomach aches
Insufficient funds
My cheeks are gaunt
And my guts are overdrawn
My head pounds
Starvation's giving me the shakes
Too much squalor
Too much pressure
Now I'm getting pissed
I'm living on the edge
Reality is teetering
My mind is on the brink
How will I face the day tomorrow
If I can't make it through today
I've got nothing left to lose but my sanity
And the right to go insane
I've got nothing left to lose but my mind
I've got nothing left to choose
So I think I'll go insane
Lyrics submitted by NYYMEGADETH3457
The Right to Go Insane Lyrics as written by Dave Mustaine
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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The music video was BADASS.
SERIOUSLY. DRIVING A TANK?! HELLS TO THE YEAH.
THAT AND THE SONG IS AMAZING.
Where the hell did you get that idea? It's about the everyday American citizen. (I hate saying that because it sounds weird, and there is no such thing as an 'Everyday' or an 'Average' citizen.)
About an American citizen being wiped out by the recession, and has nothing left to lose but his sanity, and nowone can take away his right to go insane
What is ur idea about the video recently released ... ???
Freaking bad as bass intro..!
Well as most people know, the song is about Shawn Nelson the guy who drove a tank in San Diego in 1995 and was shot but I personally love the first part cause I HATE the graveyard shift especially that I pull a 11 to 7
its about daves recent marriage his sanity was just barely hanging on check out the music video itll make more sense
this song is about a guy released from prison. His best friend ends up being a young child