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.
The new law is moving in
Now you see them now you don't
Like a Shadow in my diguise
Like a soft machine on ice
Who are you?
'I'm the man
I am the cure and disease'
Who am I?
I'm the need
I am the weakness that feeds
I've got to rip it up
I've got to tear it down
I've got to break the word
I've got to fight for you
Who am I to criticise
I'm unsafe at any speed
'We can change the world' she said
Never changed it never tried
I'm cold and hard
But I don't mind
I've been everything I can be
I've been sick
And I've got he screams
These boys don't know when to push
Did you know that I don't run
Did you know that I don't hide
Did you know that I don't sleep
Did you know that I don't care
I am the soft machine
I am the word and the law
I am the new machine
I am your feelings and more
Come inside and Play with me
I'll show you things to forget
No-one talks
And no-one leaves
No-one remembers the way
I've got to fight the man
I've got to fight the need
I've got to fight the law
I've got to fight the word
Now you see them now you don't
Like a Shadow in my diguise
Like a soft machine on ice
Who are you?
'I'm the man
I am the cure and disease'
Who am I?
I'm the need
I am the weakness that feeds
I've got to rip it up
I've got to tear it down
I've got to break the word
I've got to fight for you
Who am I to criticise
I'm unsafe at any speed
'We can change the world' she said
Never changed it never tried
I'm cold and hard
But I don't mind
I've been everything I can be
I've been sick
And I've got he screams
These boys don't know when to push
Did you know that I don't run
Did you know that I don't hide
Did you know that I don't sleep
Did you know that I don't care
I am the soft machine
I am the word and the law
I am the new machine
I am your feelings and more
Come inside and Play with me
I'll show you things to forget
No-one talks
And no-one leaves
No-one remembers the way
I've got to fight the man
I've got to fight the need
I've got to fight the law
I've got to fight the word
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Rip It Up Lyrics as written by Gary Anthony Webb Bill Sharpe
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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