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.
Different pubs, same name, kids out in the rain
Drain on society, nothing on the telly
Barely at school, acting like a fool
Well, I could've done well if things had gone better
Slurred singing, wrong lyrics on the dancefloor
Not rich, not poor, what you living for?
Poundland pubs and Wormwood scrubs
Last night's takeaway in Tupperware tubs
I lost my job in Wetherspoons
And since that day my bank has hit zero
Hopefully things'll pick up next year though
And if they don't, then well
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
Every week do the lottery, daylight robbery
Spend more on tickets than it's worth in the long run
Young, dumb, living off mum
Waiting for the right time to come
Can't afford the bus that I used to run for
Lurking on the wrong side of the law, what for?
Once more, never been abroad
A week around here's enough to make you crazy
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
All my shoes have holes in the soles
Live my life in second hand clothes
All my shoes have holes in the soles
Live my life in second hand clothes
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
Drain on society, nothing on the telly
Barely at school, acting like a fool
Well, I could've done well if things had gone better
Slurred singing, wrong lyrics on the dancefloor
Not rich, not poor, what you living for?
Poundland pubs and Wormwood scrubs
Last night's takeaway in Tupperware tubs
I lost my job in Wetherspoons
And since that day my bank has hit zero
Hopefully things'll pick up next year though
And if they don't, then well
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
Every week do the lottery, daylight robbery
Spend more on tickets than it's worth in the long run
Young, dumb, living off mum
Waiting for the right time to come
Can't afford the bus that I used to run for
Lurking on the wrong side of the law, what for?
Once more, never been abroad
A week around here's enough to make you crazy
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
All my shoes have holes in the soles
Live my life in second hand clothes
All my shoes have holes in the soles
Live my life in second hand clothes
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
It won't be long
Before I sign on
Is it right or is it wrong?
I've got no money, it's all gone
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