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.
He is observing the chaos, taking in the lack of raw humanity
It's as if the entire world's fallen in love with their insanity
Hear the innocent voices scream
As their tormentors laugh through all of it
No forgiveness from all I've seen
The degradation I cannot forget
So sleep soundly in your beds tonight
For judgement falls upon you at first light
I'm the hand of God
I'm the dark messiah
I'm the vengeful one
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
In the blackest moment of a dying world
What have you become
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
As the violence surges
And the teeming masses have been terrorized
The human predators all gone mad
Are reaping profits born from their demise
The rabid media plays their roles
Stoking the flames of war to no surprise
Only too eager to sell their souls
For the apocalypse must be televised
So sleep soundly in your beds tonight
For judgement falls upon you at first light
I'm the hand of God
I'm the dark messiah
I'm the vengeful one
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
In the blackest moment of a dying world
What have you become
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
When you die
You'll know why
For you cannot be saved
With all the world enslaved
When you die
You'll know why
You'll die
You'll know why
For you cannot be saved
This world is too depraved
When you die
You'll know why
I'm the hand of God
I'm the dark messiah
I'm the vengeful one
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
In the blackest moment of a dying world
What have you become
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
I'm the hand of God
I'm the dark messiah
I'm the vengeful one
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
In the blackest moment of a dying world
What have you become
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
It's as if the entire world's fallen in love with their insanity
Hear the innocent voices scream
As their tormentors laugh through all of it
No forgiveness from all I've seen
The degradation I cannot forget
So sleep soundly in your beds tonight
For judgement falls upon you at first light
I'm the hand of God
I'm the dark messiah
I'm the vengeful one
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
In the blackest moment of a dying world
What have you become
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
As the violence surges
And the teeming masses have been terrorized
The human predators all gone mad
Are reaping profits born from their demise
The rabid media plays their roles
Stoking the flames of war to no surprise
Only too eager to sell their souls
For the apocalypse must be televised
So sleep soundly in your beds tonight
For judgement falls upon you at first light
I'm the hand of God
I'm the dark messiah
I'm the vengeful one
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
In the blackest moment of a dying world
What have you become
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
When you die
You'll know why
For you cannot be saved
With all the world enslaved
When you die
You'll know why
You'll die
You'll know why
For you cannot be saved
This world is too depraved
When you die
You'll know why
I'm the hand of God
I'm the dark messiah
I'm the vengeful one
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
In the blackest moment of a dying world
What have you become
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
I'm the hand of God
I'm the dark messiah
I'm the vengeful one
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
In the blackest moment of a dying world
What have you become
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
(Look inside and see what you're becoming)
Lyrics submitted by Ashram, edited by ArcherSlamBam, n1amr, Gavicimal
The Vengeful One Lyrics as written by David Draiman Dan Donegan
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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David said in an interview stating that it was "The Angel of Death" coming down to save those who have been lost
“The personification of The Destroyer, the Angel of Death, Gabriel, or the Hand of God looking over humanity. It’s the End of Days. Things are getting worse, and we’re becoming more destructive. The media is playing everyone against one another and baiting the entire world. It’s judgment day. This is that entity’s voice speaking and passing judgment.”
That is a quote of exactally what David Draiman (the lead vocals for the band) said the song is about.
David said in an interview stating that it was "The Angel of Death" coming down to save those who have been lost
@ShadowMaster69 Sounds to me like he's there to punish the wicked more than to save the good people... Though one def. does end up helping the other.<br />
This entire song is an indictment of modern society... And a promise that the wicked who do harm to the good will be severely punished when judgement day comes for them. Anyone who doesn't fight the evil by rejecting the govt's and the media's programming meant to brainwash them is essentially just a soldier in the evil army. It's meant to make people take a look at themselves and ask themselves whether not they want to be on the side of evil men when they are judged by "God."
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