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.
If you disrespect everybody that you run into
How in the world do you think everybody's 'sposed to respect you?
If you don't give a heck about the man with the Bible in his hand
Just get out of the way and let the gentleman do his thing.
You the kind of gentleman want everything your way.
Take the sheet off your face boy, it's a brand new day.
Respect yourself, respect yourself.
'Cause if you don't respect yourself
Ain't nobody gonna give a good, good hootenanny boy.
Respect yourself.
If you're walking around thinking that the world owes you
Something 'cause you're here
You're going out the world backward like you did when you first
Came 'ere.
Keep talking about the president won't stop air pollution.
Put your hand over your mouth when you cough, that'll help the
Solution.
You cuss around women folk, don't even know their name,
Then you're dumb enough to think it makes you a big ole man.
Respect yourself, respect yourself.
'Cause if you don't respect yourself
Ain't nobody gonna give a good, good hootenanny boy.
Respect yourself.
Respect yourself
How in the world do you think everybody's 'sposed to respect you?
If you don't give a heck about the man with the Bible in his hand
Just get out of the way and let the gentleman do his thing.
You the kind of gentleman want everything your way.
Take the sheet off your face boy, it's a brand new day.
Respect yourself, respect yourself.
'Cause if you don't respect yourself
Ain't nobody gonna give a good, good hootenanny boy.
Respect yourself.
If you're walking around thinking that the world owes you
Something 'cause you're here
You're going out the world backward like you did when you first
Came 'ere.
Keep talking about the president won't stop air pollution.
Put your hand over your mouth when you cough, that'll help the
Solution.
You cuss around women folk, don't even know their name,
Then you're dumb enough to think it makes you a big ole man.
Respect yourself, respect yourself.
'Cause if you don't respect yourself
Ain't nobody gonna give a good, good hootenanny boy.
Respect yourself.
Respect yourself
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Respect Yourself Lyrics as written by Mack Rice Luther Thomas Ingram
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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