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.
Rough him up and shove him down
Make him cry when he comes 'round
Treat him any way you want
After all he's just runt, just a little runt
Runt is what they called him
But his name was Buddy Grey
He lived out on Maple Street
'Bout a mile away
Hand-me-downs were all he wore
Poverty and nothing more
Always someone laying for ? the runt
They catch him in the school year
When he came out to play
Then get him in a circle
Where he couldn't get away
They'd shove him here
And they'd shove him there
If he fell down, nobody cared
Just anything to keep him scared - the runt
Then one day walking home from school
The teasing went just too far
They chased the runt out in the street
Nobody saw the car
They only heard that awful sound
They saw the broken body on the ground
Then everybody gathered around - the runt
They buried him on Sunday
His classmates all were there
And the tears filled each every eye
When runt's mother said a prayer
Lord, even though you've taken him
I think I understand
He's finished the job you've sent him for
And done it like you planned
If you made all people to look the same
It just wouldn't be right I guess
So you put a few now and then, like my runt
To bring others' happiness
His shortness makes others feel tall
His weakness makes others feel strong
His features make others feel pretty and handsome
And his sadness brings others a song
So rough him up and shove him down
Make him cry when he comes 'round
Treat him any way you want
But thank God for the runt
Yes, thank God for my little runt
Make him cry when he comes 'round
Treat him any way you want
After all he's just runt, just a little runt
Runt is what they called him
But his name was Buddy Grey
He lived out on Maple Street
'Bout a mile away
Hand-me-downs were all he wore
Poverty and nothing more
Always someone laying for ? the runt
They catch him in the school year
When he came out to play
Then get him in a circle
Where he couldn't get away
They'd shove him here
And they'd shove him there
If he fell down, nobody cared
Just anything to keep him scared - the runt
Then one day walking home from school
The teasing went just too far
They chased the runt out in the street
Nobody saw the car
They only heard that awful sound
They saw the broken body on the ground
Then everybody gathered around - the runt
They buried him on Sunday
His classmates all were there
And the tears filled each every eye
When runt's mother said a prayer
Lord, even though you've taken him
I think I understand
He's finished the job you've sent him for
And done it like you planned
If you made all people to look the same
It just wouldn't be right I guess
So you put a few now and then, like my runt
To bring others' happiness
His shortness makes others feel tall
His weakness makes others feel strong
His features make others feel pretty and handsome
And his sadness brings others a song
So rough him up and shove him down
Make him cry when he comes 'round
Treat him any way you want
But thank God for the runt
Yes, thank God for my little runt
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
The Runt Lyrics as written by Mcrae
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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