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.
Manhattan you're so beautiful in your winter's twilight sky
Your streets are full and buzzing, yeah it's Christmas time again
I'm looking out my window on the 27th floor
My view's a hundred taxis, I'm stuck here once again
Ireland how I miss you at old Christmastime
When the lads are coming home from the corners of the world
Talling stories of their travels as they knock the Guinness down
I'd really like to see you all, haven't got the bloody card
Ireland how I miss you, once again this year
From a subway car to an uptown bar, have a happy new year
You can get anything you want here, well if you're in the know
From pickle-flavored gumballs to a thousand hand grenades
But if you want a green card well you'd better think again
'Cause the bureaucratic bullshit makes you want to shoot the lot
Pom pom pom!
Ireland how I miss you, once again this year
From a taxi cab going down Fifth Ave,
Hope the summer's good this year
I've called a hundred lawyers, politicians just a few
But the answer that they give me always seems to be the same
"If you want a green card, better find yourself a wife
I'm sorry son, you're stuck here, better try again next year"
Ireland how I miss you, once again this year
So I'll raise my glass and I'll take a chance,
And I'll see you all next year.
Lyrics submitted by IllToast2That
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