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.
Yes it was me that was beneath the sheet
That made your every dream a screaming scene
Now that which you can see, you best believe
And say conclusively: "Yeah, the beast was me."
And then our tragedy will be finally complete
But expect no apologies
I just been done down in this dungeon so long
Only remember I did something wrong
But the name of the crime, it's been long gone
I just lost track of time and they were so strong
And yes, you got me wrong if you thought I was down here alone
No
I got this family- they're bigger and meaner than me
And they got greener eyes and larger needs
Yes, I protected you, but now you and me are through
You face 'em on yr own and we'll see how good you do
When you're beaten black and blue, covered all in massive bruises
Then you'll know the dude you knew wasn't Jesus- He was Judas
When it's you stretching the noose, when it's you up on the crucifix affixed for all to view, Then you'll know who's truly ruthless
Then you'll know the master rules
And a student's just a student
My stupid student
Do you remember that thing we talked about?
You said it haunts you nearly every hour
Yeah, well I heard about a way out
And all you really do is open yr mouth
That'll show that doctor crew just what that medicine do
And when they grieve for you, they're gonna see the proof
That, indeed, you were me and I was you
And we you never can divide in two
And when they're killing me, they're killing you
Yeah, they're killing you, killing you
Yr at peace when you sleep
Why not an endless dream?
Yr at peace when you sleep
Why not an endless dream?
Yr at peace when you sleep
Enter the endless dream with me
Yr at peace when you sleep
Enter the endless dream
And it will be you and me beneath the leaves
That made your every dream a screaming scene
Now that which you can see, you best believe
And say conclusively: "Yeah, the beast was me."
And then our tragedy will be finally complete
But expect no apologies
I just been done down in this dungeon so long
Only remember I did something wrong
But the name of the crime, it's been long gone
I just lost track of time and they were so strong
And yes, you got me wrong if you thought I was down here alone
No
I got this family- they're bigger and meaner than me
And they got greener eyes and larger needs
Yes, I protected you, but now you and me are through
You face 'em on yr own and we'll see how good you do
When you're beaten black and blue, covered all in massive bruises
Then you'll know the dude you knew wasn't Jesus- He was Judas
When it's you stretching the noose, when it's you up on the crucifix affixed for all to view, Then you'll know who's truly ruthless
Then you'll know the master rules
And a student's just a student
My stupid student
Do you remember that thing we talked about?
You said it haunts you nearly every hour
Yeah, well I heard about a way out
And all you really do is open yr mouth
That'll show that doctor crew just what that medicine do
And when they grieve for you, they're gonna see the proof
That, indeed, you were me and I was you
And we you never can divide in two
And when they're killing me, they're killing you
Yeah, they're killing you, killing you
Yr at peace when you sleep
Why not an endless dream?
Yr at peace when you sleep
Why not an endless dream?
Yr at peace when you sleep
Enter the endless dream with me
Yr at peace when you sleep
Enter the endless dream
And it will be you and me beneath the leaves
Lyrics submitted by withinyourreach
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