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.
With teeth like daggers, the world will cut your throat
You are so fragile in your blood-stained coat
In weak wool shields you hide, leaving pain festered inside
And you still swallow your pride, make yourself alone
You run as fast as you can to escape the Shepherd’s hands
You run as fast as you can
Make yourself unknown
These strings like shackles perceived as heavy weight
As gravity tackles every mistake
Severance has made you cold
From everything you called your home
Your sedition fathered from emotion
Has kept you from the Shepherd’s hands
As you razed your ties, He stood with arms wide
You are not a stray
The kingdom follows wherever you stay
Dark wool won’t paint you black
Ignorance won’t forsake your path
It was carved in stone
Every time you lost your way
I promise you I called your name
And when you thought I left you behind
I was hoping I’d cross your mind
From the garden to the grave
I promise you I called you by name
You were born from fire that saved
The earth from the shadows of an empty grave
I have claimed the throne
Imago Dei, I’ve claimed the throne
You are so fragile in your blood-stained coat
In weak wool shields you hide, leaving pain festered inside
And you still swallow your pride, make yourself alone
You run as fast as you can to escape the Shepherd’s hands
You run as fast as you can
Make yourself unknown
These strings like shackles perceived as heavy weight
As gravity tackles every mistake
Severance has made you cold
From everything you called your home
Your sedition fathered from emotion
Has kept you from the Shepherd’s hands
As you razed your ties, He stood with arms wide
You are not a stray
The kingdom follows wherever you stay
Dark wool won’t paint you black
Ignorance won’t forsake your path
It was carved in stone
Every time you lost your way
I promise you I called your name
And when you thought I left you behind
I was hoping I’d cross your mind
From the garden to the grave
I promise you I called you by name
You were born from fire that saved
The earth from the shadows of an empty grave
I have claimed the throne
Imago Dei, I’ve claimed the throne
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