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.
Me and Billy Joe and Mary Beth
Were raised up on the path
Of righteousness
Made a solemn vow that
We'd always be close
And never wander far from
Sawmill Road
As the years went by
The world began to change
One by one we outgrew
Those childhood games
Momma cooked and cleaned
And worried 'bout our souls
We got into beer and cars
And rock 'n' roll
[Chorus]
We knew Jesus was the answer
And Elvis was the king
Blue Suede Shoes and Rock of Ages
Were the songs we learned to sing
Innocence went out of style
And we just watched it go
Yesterday got left beneath
The dust on Sawmill Road
Billy Joe went to Saigon
For Uncle Sam
Now I go to see him,
He don't know who I am
Once a year I get a card
From Mary Beth
She's with husband number four
Somewhere out west
I still live in this old house
Where we were raised
On this red dirt road
The county never paved
Now I watch my kids
And worry 'bout their souls
And pray they'll never wander
Far from Sawmill Road
[Chorus]
Me and Billy Joe and Mary Beth
Were raised up on the path
Of righteousness.
Were raised up on the path
Of righteousness
Made a solemn vow that
We'd always be close
And never wander far from
Sawmill Road
As the years went by
The world began to change
One by one we outgrew
Those childhood games
Momma cooked and cleaned
And worried 'bout our souls
We got into beer and cars
And rock 'n' roll
[Chorus]
We knew Jesus was the answer
And Elvis was the king
Blue Suede Shoes and Rock of Ages
Were the songs we learned to sing
Innocence went out of style
And we just watched it go
Yesterday got left beneath
The dust on Sawmill Road
Billy Joe went to Saigon
For Uncle Sam
Now I go to see him,
He don't know who I am
Once a year I get a card
From Mary Beth
She's with husband number four
Somewhere out west
I still live in this old house
Where we were raised
On this red dirt road
The county never paved
Now I watch my kids
And worry 'bout their souls
And pray they'll never wander
Far from Sawmill Road
[Chorus]
Me and Billy Joe and Mary Beth
Were raised up on the path
Of righteousness.
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Sawmill Road Lyrics as written by Mcbride Hogin
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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