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 I could be you and you could be me for just one hour
If we could find a way to get inside each other's minds
If you could see you, through my eyes, instead of your ego
I believe you'd be, surprised to see, that you'd been blind
Walk a mile in my shoes
Walk a mile in my shoes
And before you abuse
Criticize and accuse
Walk a mile in my shoes
Now the whole world you see around you is just a reflection
And the law of karma, says you reap, just what you sow
So unless you've, lived a life of total perfection
You'd better be careful of every stone that you should throw
And yet we spend the day throwing stones at one another
'cause I don't think or wear my hair the same way you do
Well I may be common people but I'm your brother
And when you strike out and try to hurt me it's a-hurtin you
There are people on reservations and out in the ghettos
And brother, there but for the grace of god go you and I
If I only, had the wings, of a little angel
Don't you know I'd fly, to the top of the mountain, and then I'd cry
If we could find a way to get inside each other's minds
If you could see you, through my eyes, instead of your ego
I believe you'd be, surprised to see, that you'd been blind
Walk a mile in my shoes
Walk a mile in my shoes
And before you abuse
Criticize and accuse
Walk a mile in my shoes
Now the whole world you see around you is just a reflection
And the law of karma, says you reap, just what you sow
So unless you've, lived a life of total perfection
You'd better be careful of every stone that you should throw
And yet we spend the day throwing stones at one another
'cause I don't think or wear my hair the same way you do
Well I may be common people but I'm your brother
And when you strike out and try to hurt me it's a-hurtin you
There are people on reservations and out in the ghettos
And brother, there but for the grace of god go you and I
If I only, had the wings, of a little angel
Don't you know I'd fly, to the top of the mountain, and then I'd cry
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Walk a Mile in My Shoes Lyrics as written by Joe South
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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