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.
Forced to Enslavement, traces of Thracian blood
Sentenced to the land of Capua... named Gladiator
Bounded by chains, A hero of slaves to rise and army bigger than dismay
The thirst of freedom, greater than the will of death, greater than the oath of Mankind
Spartacus to defy the Roman way of life
Thousands of men ready to die, Soldiers of Rome ready to Strike... Spartacus!
"Pompey Magnus, Crassus... gather the men, I need you to crush this rebellion, one by one &
when you do, you shall crucify them along the Appian way and show the world none shall defy Rome!"
Legions Engage...
Broken & defeated (the Spartacus army)... retreat to southern Italy
Gather reinforcements, Crassus in pursuit
He will not stop to lead his rebellion
Until the day he dies for his freedom
The thirst of freedom, greater than the will of death, greater than the oath of mankind
Spartacus to defy the Roman way of life
Thousands of men ready to die, Soldiers of Rome ready to Strike... Spartacus!
"Come on Men, I don't have all night, there's still 4,000 to be crucified" - Crassus
Sentenced to the land of Capua... named Gladiator
Bounded by chains, A hero of slaves to rise and army bigger than dismay
The thirst of freedom, greater than the will of death, greater than the oath of Mankind
Spartacus to defy the Roman way of life
Thousands of men ready to die, Soldiers of Rome ready to Strike... Spartacus!
"Pompey Magnus, Crassus... gather the men, I need you to crush this rebellion, one by one &
when you do, you shall crucify them along the Appian way and show the world none shall defy Rome!"
Legions Engage...
Broken & defeated (the Spartacus army)... retreat to southern Italy
Gather reinforcements, Crassus in pursuit
He will not stop to lead his rebellion
Until the day he dies for his freedom
The thirst of freedom, greater than the will of death, greater than the oath of mankind
Spartacus to defy the Roman way of life
Thousands of men ready to die, Soldiers of Rome ready to Strike... Spartacus!
"Come on Men, I don't have all night, there's still 4,000 to be crucified" - Crassus
Lyrics submitted by cganuelas
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