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.
Welcome to our sanguinary sect or worship
Feel at home in our black conventicle
As we anathmastise
All those who oppose us.
Don't summon the devil,
Don't call the priests
If you need the strength,
The conjuring, obey!
Behold! the flames rise
From the compass' cardinal points
Burn the sacred oil,
And with the ashes you'll annoint
Arrange the symbols
Of the wizard and magician.
Light the candles,
Place the parchment paper in position
Between its leaves place
The lash from a black cat's eye,
A straw of a broom,
Fold, burn and centralize.
Don't summon the devil,
Don't call the priests
If you need the strength,
The conjuring.
I am the devil's advocate
A salesman, if you will.
You know my name.
I met your father years ago
Gave him what he'd please.
He called my name, you'll do the same.
I'm claiming what is mine by right
It's time to close the deal.
You're bought and sold, bought and sold.
Come join me in my infernal depths,
Mephisto's Hall of Fame
I've got your soul, I've got your soul.
The conjuring. Obey!
Feel at home in our black conventicle
As we anathmastise
All those who oppose us.
Don't summon the devil,
Don't call the priests
If you need the strength,
The conjuring, obey!
Behold! the flames rise
From the compass' cardinal points
Burn the sacred oil,
And with the ashes you'll annoint
Arrange the symbols
Of the wizard and magician.
Light the candles,
Place the parchment paper in position
Between its leaves place
The lash from a black cat's eye,
A straw of a broom,
Fold, burn and centralize.
Don't summon the devil,
Don't call the priests
If you need the strength,
The conjuring.
I am the devil's advocate
A salesman, if you will.
You know my name.
I met your father years ago
Gave him what he'd please.
He called my name, you'll do the same.
I'm claiming what is mine by right
It's time to close the deal.
You're bought and sold, bought and sold.
Come join me in my infernal depths,
Mephisto's Hall of Fame
I've got your soul, I've got your soul.
The conjuring. Obey!
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Light Up The Sky
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Van Halen
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Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
A classic from the first golden age of Megadeth. The lyrics obviously describe some kind of occult or perhaps Satanic ritual, the inspiration probably owed in part to Mustaine's dabbling in witchcraft during the first successful incarnation of the band. Here is an interesting quote regarding Dave's occult involvement in the early days: "I read the Satanic Bible and all that stuff, but it was so adverse to what I wanted, and it hasn't been until the past couple of years that all that stuff's been shaken. I've had to go through a lot of spiritual healing to get clean. I don't think people really realize how intense that stuff is and the marks it can leave on you. There was one time where I did some witchcraft on this guy who had punched me, and it physically affected him, and to this day I regret it. That will never leave my mind - the power of that stuff. I would rather light a candle than curse the darkness. There was a time when I was very comfortable being part of the darkness because I didn't understand the light. But now I like seeing people smile more than watching them wrinkle up their forehead and make the devil's sign. If half these kids only knew that the way they make the devil's sign really means 'I love you' in sign language anyway."