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.
I was there in the rain
Man, even if them skies were blue
You can find me on the corner of Durant
And Telegraph Avenue
When I was only seventeen
I knew what I had to do
So I grabbed my left handed guitar
And I headed out to Telegraph Avenue
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Oh yeah
Mario Savio gave a speech
It was him against The Machine
For that he spent 3 months in jail
But he said he'd do it again
Governor Reagan had enough
So the National Guard they pushed on through
Tear gas and riot police
On Telegraph Avenue
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Oh yeah
The ones who stand for freedom of speech
Well this one goes out to you
Well I can still hear your voice
On Telegraph Avenue
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Oh yeah
Man, even if them skies were blue
You can find me on the corner of Durant
And Telegraph Avenue
When I was only seventeen
I knew what I had to do
So I grabbed my left handed guitar
And I headed out to Telegraph Avenue
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Oh yeah
Mario Savio gave a speech
It was him against The Machine
For that he spent 3 months in jail
But he said he'd do it again
Governor Reagan had enough
So the National Guard they pushed on through
Tear gas and riot police
On Telegraph Avenue
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Oh yeah
The ones who stand for freedom of speech
Well this one goes out to you
Well I can still hear your voice
On Telegraph Avenue
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na
Oh yeah
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
Telegraph Avenue Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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