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 used to smoke, I used to drink
I used to smoke, and drink
And dance the bugaloo
I used to smoke and drink
Smoke and drink and dance the bugaloo, yes I did
But now I'm standin' on these corners
Prayin' for me and you, yes I am
(That's why) I'm saved, I'm saved
People let me tell you 'bout kingdom come
I'm saved, (I said) I'm saved
How can I preach until you're deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul sayin' army
Beatin' on my big bass drum, yes I am
I used to cuss and I used to fuss
I used to cuss, fuss and boogie all night long
I used to cuss and fuss
Cuss and fuss and boogie all night long
You know I did
But now I'm standin' on this corner
I know right from wrong, yes I did
(That's why) I'm saved, I'm saved
People let me tell you 'bout kingdom come
I'm saved, (I said) I'm saved
How can I preach until you're deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul sayin' army
Beatin' on my big bass drum, yes I am
I used to lie and I used to cheat
I used to lie and cheat and step on people's feet
I used to lie and cheat
Lie and cheat and step on people's feet
You know that I did
But now I'm steppin' on to glory
Salvation is my best, yes it is, because
(That's why) I'm saved, I'm saved
People let me tell you 'bout kingdom come
I'm saved, (I said) I'm saved
How can I preach until you're deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul sayin' army
Beatin' on my big bass drum, yes I am
That's why I'm saved, I'm saved
I'm saved, Lord, have mercy, I am saved
I'm saved, I'm saved, I am saved
I'm in that soul savin' army
Beatin' on my big bass drum, yes I am
I said I'm saved, yes, I'm saved
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, I am saved
I used to smoke, and drink
And dance the bugaloo
I used to smoke and drink
Smoke and drink and dance the bugaloo, yes I did
But now I'm standin' on these corners
Prayin' for me and you, yes I am
(That's why) I'm saved, I'm saved
People let me tell you 'bout kingdom come
I'm saved, (I said) I'm saved
How can I preach until you're deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul sayin' army
Beatin' on my big bass drum, yes I am
I used to cuss and I used to fuss
I used to cuss, fuss and boogie all night long
I used to cuss and fuss
Cuss and fuss and boogie all night long
You know I did
But now I'm standin' on this corner
I know right from wrong, yes I did
(That's why) I'm saved, I'm saved
People let me tell you 'bout kingdom come
I'm saved, (I said) I'm saved
How can I preach until you're deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul sayin' army
Beatin' on my big bass drum, yes I am
I used to lie and I used to cheat
I used to lie and cheat and step on people's feet
I used to lie and cheat
Lie and cheat and step on people's feet
You know that I did
But now I'm steppin' on to glory
Salvation is my best, yes it is, because
(That's why) I'm saved, I'm saved
People let me tell you 'bout kingdom come
I'm saved, (I said) I'm saved
How can I preach until you're deaf and dumb
I'm in that soul sayin' army
Beatin' on my big bass drum, yes I am
That's why I'm saved, I'm saved
I'm saved, Lord, have mercy, I am saved
I'm saved, I'm saved, I am saved
I'm in that soul savin' army
Beatin' on my big bass drum, yes I am
I said I'm saved, yes, I'm saved
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, I am saved
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Saved Lyrics as written by Mike Stoller Jerry Leiber
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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