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.
For thirty years they sang the song of promised victory
But who they've fought and who has won
Didn't matter much to me
I see them driving down the streets
In their fancy shiny cars
Crowds of people to their feet
Their faces full of scars
No pleasantries, no luxuries
No little children's mild
While minister's wives spent all their lives
In China's finest silk
My back's been broken many times
But my spirit lingers on
The day it comes my way on freedom's ship
I will be gone
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
This ninety mile trip has taken thirty years to make
They tried to keep forever what was never theirs to take
I cursed and scratched the Devil's hand
As he stood in front of me
One last drag for his big cigar
And he finally set me free
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
Con ojos tiernos algun dia te mirare
Con brasos abiertos algun dia abrasare
Hay me havana cuando pueda regresare
But who they've fought and who has won
Didn't matter much to me
I see them driving down the streets
In their fancy shiny cars
Crowds of people to their feet
Their faces full of scars
No pleasantries, no luxuries
No little children's mild
While minister's wives spent all their lives
In China's finest silk
My back's been broken many times
But my spirit lingers on
The day it comes my way on freedom's ship
I will be gone
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
This ninety mile trip has taken thirty years to make
They tried to keep forever what was never theirs to take
I cursed and scratched the Devil's hand
As he stood in front of me
One last drag for his big cigar
And he finally set me free
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
From hell to paradise
I'll always pay the price
Con ojos tiernos algun dia te mirare
Con brasos abiertos algun dia abrasare
Hay me havana cuando pueda regresare
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
From Hell to Paradise Lyrics as written by Raul Malo
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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