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.
Now before they take me and my blessed life
Now you'll know why death was summoned here tonight
I'll recall my perils they'll kill me in pride
No, I can't run away there's no place to hide
Though too much to live for I owe enough to die
Ask not for salvation my death shall mean their lives
Hatred and guilt the alter they've built, high priests of sin
Destiny, fate the wicked ones gate beckoning you in
Down the walkways through the blood stained town
Looking down the cross bleeding from the crown
Led to slay, to die besides the thieves
Kill the king of the world to be
And now to you, this will come a putrefying pestilence
More noxious than the serpent's breath malevolently destined
More corrupt than the malice of Choronzon
More disease than the wind of the moonlight sun
Putrefaction you have caused no need for confession
Now you wish you had a God to stop your demolition
Crushing the bones of the hundredfolds swinging the judgment hammer
Man, woman, child no-one is safe the heads of the dead are the banner
And this was all you got so don these broken wings
Sands of time run out, bells of Hades ring
Is this a nightmare to un-hallow thy name
Smell of brimstone dancing in the flames
No help now as you fulfill his task
Chief of evil has got you by the ass
Set free to sit upon the throne
Just a dream, you're weeping all alone
Looking down the cross, speak no evil
I'm looking down the cross, speak no evil
Now you'll know why death was summoned here tonight
I'll recall my perils they'll kill me in pride
No, I can't run away there's no place to hide
Though too much to live for I owe enough to die
Ask not for salvation my death shall mean their lives
Hatred and guilt the alter they've built, high priests of sin
Destiny, fate the wicked ones gate beckoning you in
Down the walkways through the blood stained town
Looking down the cross bleeding from the crown
Led to slay, to die besides the thieves
Kill the king of the world to be
And now to you, this will come a putrefying pestilence
More noxious than the serpent's breath malevolently destined
More corrupt than the malice of Choronzon
More disease than the wind of the moonlight sun
Putrefaction you have caused no need for confession
Now you wish you had a God to stop your demolition
Crushing the bones of the hundredfolds swinging the judgment hammer
Man, woman, child no-one is safe the heads of the dead are the banner
And this was all you got so don these broken wings
Sands of time run out, bells of Hades ring
Is this a nightmare to un-hallow thy name
Smell of brimstone dancing in the flames
No help now as you fulfill his task
Chief of evil has got you by the ass
Set free to sit upon the throne
Just a dream, you're weeping all alone
Looking down the cross, speak no evil
I'm looking down the cross, speak no evil
Lyrics submitted by elmoz, edited by Tricky1979, DaveJ123
Looking Down the Cross Lyrics as written by Dave Mustaine
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blackened's got it. Christ never spoke of his anger, though, only thought it. Hence the lines, "Speak no evil".
Definitely one of my favorite albums of all time. Might be my favorite. Had such a good variety on it. A very under rated song.