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.
Hey man, I saw you standing there
You were bobbing your head to the beat as your fists start to clinch
Oh so tight
"No Fear" in your eyes, and also on your shirt (and hat and pants)
It's your turn to show tonight, do your best to start a fight
Show us all that you can dance with your elbows and your hands
(Dancing with friends, keeping the peace, if you didn't know I'm being sarcastic)
When you feel the crowd start to move
Please try to resist the urge that you get
Try not to get upset and sock your neighbor right in the face
I know that coach meant well
But what's a dance to you is a fight to someone else
Keep your anger aside, kick back, enjoy the ride
And think how it could be if you showed some courtesy
Your hostility, it grows so easily
You're the next victim of the dance that broke my jaw
Please don't get near
You're the next victim of the dance that broke my jaw
Have some more beer, "No Fear Gear" is what you wear
Just because the music begins
Does not always mean a wrestling scene from WWF
Breaks out right to my left
And I got a ringside ticket
I'll challenge you or anyone anywhere
Sometimes I just want the football thrown in
Let the football game begin
And then say to myself as I think of someone else
That's not what we came here for, we'll take no more
What's going through your head?
To the point that someone is dead
Keep it up and you're out of here, you're out of here
And when you're outside by yourself and sitting all alone
Keep your head down
Cause we're the ones that warned you
You're the next victim of the dance that broke my jaw
Please don't get near
You're the next victim of the dance that broke my jaw
Can't we just be friends in here?
Go drink some more beer
Kick your neighbor's rear
Elbow to my ear
Can't we just be friends in here?
I was dancing by myself, and bothering no one else
When suddenly I was encountered by the beast
I ask so politely, "please just let me be"
But the next thing I remember, I'm staring at the ceiling
Someone please, help me call security
Was on my feet, but now I'm on the floor
That shithead doesn't show respect to me or to you
So now he's out the door
Not gonna hurt us anymore
That dance floor is free of hostility
And I'm so glad he's gone
It's our turn to have fun
My message was clear, "We're all friends in here"
But we're not allowed to do the dance that broke my jaw
You were bobbing your head to the beat as your fists start to clinch
Oh so tight
"No Fear" in your eyes, and also on your shirt (and hat and pants)
It's your turn to show tonight, do your best to start a fight
Show us all that you can dance with your elbows and your hands
(Dancing with friends, keeping the peace, if you didn't know I'm being sarcastic)
When you feel the crowd start to move
Please try to resist the urge that you get
Try not to get upset and sock your neighbor right in the face
I know that coach meant well
But what's a dance to you is a fight to someone else
Keep your anger aside, kick back, enjoy the ride
And think how it could be if you showed some courtesy
Your hostility, it grows so easily
You're the next victim of the dance that broke my jaw
Please don't get near
You're the next victim of the dance that broke my jaw
Have some more beer, "No Fear Gear" is what you wear
Just because the music begins
Does not always mean a wrestling scene from WWF
Breaks out right to my left
And I got a ringside ticket
I'll challenge you or anyone anywhere
Sometimes I just want the football thrown in
Let the football game begin
And then say to myself as I think of someone else
That's not what we came here for, we'll take no more
What's going through your head?
To the point that someone is dead
Keep it up and you're out of here, you're out of here
And when you're outside by yourself and sitting all alone
Keep your head down
Cause we're the ones that warned you
You're the next victim of the dance that broke my jaw
Please don't get near
You're the next victim of the dance that broke my jaw
Can't we just be friends in here?
Go drink some more beer
Kick your neighbor's rear
Elbow to my ear
Can't we just be friends in here?
I was dancing by myself, and bothering no one else
When suddenly I was encountered by the beast
I ask so politely, "please just let me be"
But the next thing I remember, I'm staring at the ceiling
Someone please, help me call security
Was on my feet, but now I'm on the floor
That shithead doesn't show respect to me or to you
So now he's out the door
Not gonna hurt us anymore
That dance floor is free of hostility
And I'm so glad he's gone
It's our turn to have fun
My message was clear, "We're all friends in here"
But we're not allowed to do the dance that broke my jaw
Lyrics submitted by Mopnugget
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Great version of a great song,
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Be nice to each other in the moshpit...
The moshpits aren't that violent in England but I've heard they're pretty violent in the US. Is this true?
my favorite Hoobastank song, i just love the lyrics, its a rather amusing song, if you look at the lyrics, amd what the song is actually about. I think their Basketball shorts ep was alot better than their self titled effort. as stated above this song is about being friendly in the mosh pit, its just an amusing little annecdote put into song.