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.
Brother, oh brother
Will I see you again
When I left you on Walnut Street you were a wanted man
Brother, oh brother
where will you lay your head under a velvet Jesus,
just to keep you safe from death
Brother, oh brother
what is the crime you done,
did you consort with the devil via cocaine and a gun
Oh brother, oh brother
no shame and no surprise, we all expect the unexpected from the boy
who never cries
Brother, oh brother
you watch your fragile back,
the vultures, they are circling
you know the ones in black.
Brother, oh brother
never will they tire
fortunes built on laying the guilt for the heat inside of a fire.
Brother, oh brother
the rumour is a man who looks just like you was seen with a six shot in his hand.
He was drunker than Arbuckle and he was highter than Chang.
Only by the grace of God will I see you again
Brother, oh brother
you are not the killing type, so I will pray for your forgiveness if they string you up tonight
Brother, oh brother
will I see you again
When I left you at Walnut Street you were a wanted man
Will I see you again
When I left you on Walnut Street you were a wanted man
Brother, oh brother
where will you lay your head under a velvet Jesus,
just to keep you safe from death
Brother, oh brother
what is the crime you done,
did you consort with the devil via cocaine and a gun
Oh brother, oh brother
no shame and no surprise, we all expect the unexpected from the boy
who never cries
Brother, oh brother
you watch your fragile back,
the vultures, they are circling
you know the ones in black.
Brother, oh brother
never will they tire
fortunes built on laying the guilt for the heat inside of a fire.
Brother, oh brother
the rumour is a man who looks just like you was seen with a six shot in his hand.
He was drunker than Arbuckle and he was highter than Chang.
Only by the grace of God will I see you again
Brother, oh brother
you are not the killing type, so I will pray for your forgiveness if they string you up tonight
Brother, oh brother
will I see you again
When I left you at Walnut Street you were a wanted man
Lyrics submitted by johnfen
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