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.
Tears have rolled down many good cheek
So when it comes down to your turn
Don't be afraid of admitting you're weak
Cause these are tears that you earn
Strangers, new neighbours, they'll both understand
Who hasn't been there? Hold up your hand
Strangers, neighbours, none of them planned
Tears are the wage of this land
When raindrop first fell to the ground
It seemed like the brightest idea
Even though teardrops were already around
No one yet linked them with tear
Raindrop you notice when stood under trees
Pin-drop you can hear if down on your knees
But if teardrop anyone sees
It's time, gentlemen please
Scars you know take longer to heal
Whilst tears you'll not see again
So which do we try so hard to conceal
The ones that make fools of us men
Bricklayer, teacher, firefighter or vet
One thing in common, the hankies they've wet
But hidden away in the bedroom I bet
Tears in public, not yet
Drums have rolled for hundreds of years
Since we've blown one another to bits
Generals and soldiers still holding their ears
Cause drumbeat and teardrop don't mix
When teardrops fall everyone in the band
Makes out their music's slipped from the stand
Leaving the singer, his head in his hands
Public emotion, be damned
So when it comes down to your turn
Don't be afraid of admitting you're weak
Cause these are tears that you earn
Strangers, new neighbours, they'll both understand
Who hasn't been there? Hold up your hand
Strangers, neighbours, none of them planned
Tears are the wage of this land
When raindrop first fell to the ground
It seemed like the brightest idea
Even though teardrops were already around
No one yet linked them with tear
Raindrop you notice when stood under trees
Pin-drop you can hear if down on your knees
But if teardrop anyone sees
It's time, gentlemen please
Scars you know take longer to heal
Whilst tears you'll not see again
So which do we try so hard to conceal
The ones that make fools of us men
Bricklayer, teacher, firefighter or vet
One thing in common, the hankies they've wet
But hidden away in the bedroom I bet
Tears in public, not yet
Drums have rolled for hundreds of years
Since we've blown one another to bits
Generals and soldiers still holding their ears
Cause drumbeat and teardrop don't mix
When teardrops fall everyone in the band
Makes out their music's slipped from the stand
Leaving the singer, his head in his hands
Public emotion, be damned
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Tears Lyrics as written by Paul Heaton Dave Rotheray
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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