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.
By firing squad, Comrade Vlasova, your son's life has ended
But he did not die alone or unattended
For the very stone and mortar before which he was killed
Were fashioned by his comrades' sweat and by their skills
And the very bullets flying to his heart to strike him lifeless
Were the product of his fellow workers' skill as were the rifles
So though in body they may not view his extermination
Yet still for him were present they in their creations
But it was men just like him who were leading him out to the wall
And though he understood he couldn't see why at all
Bound he was in chains who forged the iron
And who but his fellows dug the grave for him to lie in
Nor strangers they who held the guns but workers just like us
And so I know some day they will stand beside us
But it was men just like him who were leading him out to the wall
And though he understood he couldn't see why at all
And he saw the factories packed together
In rows across the world stretching on forever
Chimney upon chimney and day was dawning
For they take them all out as a rule first thing in the morning
And although devoid of life these factories seeming
Only he could see the light there was gleaming
The cultivation of the seeds and the germination
Of the mighty army that is spread across the nation
But it was men just like him who were leading him out to the wall
And though he understood he couldn't see why at all
[x2]
Come weep with me all you that read this little story
Know for whom a tear you shed Death's self is sorry
[x2]
A child it was that so did thrive in grace and feature
All heaven and nature seem to strive which own the creature
Years he numbered scarce thirteen when fates turned cruel
Yet three filled zodiacs had he been the stage's jewel
And did act what now we moan old men so duly
As sooth the Parcae thought him one he played so truly
So by error to his fate they all consented
But viewing him since alas too late they have repented
And have sought to give new birth in baths to steep him
But being so much too good for earth Heaven vows to keep him
But he did not die alone or unattended
For the very stone and mortar before which he was killed
Were fashioned by his comrades' sweat and by their skills
And the very bullets flying to his heart to strike him lifeless
Were the product of his fellow workers' skill as were the rifles
So though in body they may not view his extermination
Yet still for him were present they in their creations
But it was men just like him who were leading him out to the wall
And though he understood he couldn't see why at all
Bound he was in chains who forged the iron
And who but his fellows dug the grave for him to lie in
Nor strangers they who held the guns but workers just like us
And so I know some day they will stand beside us
But it was men just like him who were leading him out to the wall
And though he understood he couldn't see why at all
And he saw the factories packed together
In rows across the world stretching on forever
Chimney upon chimney and day was dawning
For they take them all out as a rule first thing in the morning
And although devoid of life these factories seeming
Only he could see the light there was gleaming
The cultivation of the seeds and the germination
Of the mighty army that is spread across the nation
But it was men just like him who were leading him out to the wall
And though he understood he couldn't see why at all
[x2]
Come weep with me all you that read this little story
Know for whom a tear you shed Death's self is sorry
[x2]
A child it was that so did thrive in grace and feature
All heaven and nature seem to strive which own the creature
Years he numbered scarce thirteen when fates turned cruel
Yet three filled zodiacs had he been the stage's jewel
And did act what now we moan old men so duly
As sooth the Parcae thought him one he played so truly
So by error to his fate they all consented
But viewing him since alas too late they have repented
And have sought to give new birth in baths to steep him
But being so much too good for earth Heaven vows to keep him
Lyrics submitted by Gratefuldakota
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