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.
Policemen shot my baby as he crossed right over my doorstep
Policemen shot my baby crossing right over my doorstep
His arms were so close you could see the blood pulsing through both his wrists
Don't tell me the cops are right in a wrong like this
'Cause policemen shot my baby as he crossed right over my doorstep
I was taught we must be grateful for the time that we are here
In the world
To accept death as beyond our heads and be bitter no more
But if you found your first joy in life in the arms of a man
Don't tell me you wouldn't curse the god that made your hands
When policemen shot your baby crossing right over your doorstep
Policemen shot my baby as he crossed over my doorstep
Policemen shot my baby crossing right over my doorstep
His arms were so close you could see the blood pulsing through both his wrists
Don't tell me the cops are right in a wrong like this
'Cause policemen shot my baby as he crossed over my doorstep
In my life I never met a guy who was a better man
(How sad that she doesn't understand how)
Oh so gentle with his woman and with two feet on the ground
(Just as solid as he sounds)
And I felt my first joy in life with my head on his chest
Then his trouble came from looking out for all the rest
Policemen shot my baby crossing right over my doorstep
[Repeat x4]
Sha-na-na, Sha-na-na, Sha-na-na
Oo-wo-oo-wo-oo-woo
Well, I've tried so hard to be a peaceful, loving woman
Oh, I believed that love and understanding were the way
Oh, but how many gone before you listen to the cries
With my dead heart, how do I find my way through the truth and all the lies
Policemen shot my baby as he crossed over my doorstep
[Repeat x4]
Sha-na-na, Sha-na-na, Sha-na-na
Oo-wo-oo-wo-oo-woo
Policemen shot my baby crossing right over my doorstep
His arms were so close you could see the blood pulsing through both his wrists
Don't tell me the cops are right in a wrong like this
'Cause policemen shot my baby as he crossed right over my doorstep
I was taught we must be grateful for the time that we are here
In the world
To accept death as beyond our heads and be bitter no more
But if you found your first joy in life in the arms of a man
Don't tell me you wouldn't curse the god that made your hands
When policemen shot your baby crossing right over your doorstep
Policemen shot my baby as he crossed over my doorstep
Policemen shot my baby crossing right over my doorstep
His arms were so close you could see the blood pulsing through both his wrists
Don't tell me the cops are right in a wrong like this
'Cause policemen shot my baby as he crossed over my doorstep
In my life I never met a guy who was a better man
(How sad that she doesn't understand how)
Oh so gentle with his woman and with two feet on the ground
(Just as solid as he sounds)
And I felt my first joy in life with my head on his chest
Then his trouble came from looking out for all the rest
Policemen shot my baby crossing right over my doorstep
[Repeat x4]
Sha-na-na, Sha-na-na, Sha-na-na
Oo-wo-oo-wo-oo-woo
Well, I've tried so hard to be a peaceful, loving woman
Oh, I believed that love and understanding were the way
Oh, but how many gone before you listen to the cries
With my dead heart, how do I find my way through the truth and all the lies
Policemen shot my baby as he crossed over my doorstep
[Repeat x4]
Sha-na-na, Sha-na-na, Sha-na-na
Oo-wo-oo-wo-oo-woo
Lyrics submitted by j0nnynoname
Doorstep Lyrics as written by Merrill Martin Garbus
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.