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 they're being led astray again, forgetting the battle we are facing
It’s showtime, but you're supporting the foundations we are kicking
“Watch me I can play at 90,000 notes an hour
Know me for my power chords, not supporting of state power
I can play so fucking fast, if you don’t move I’ll kick your arse
We’re so fuckin’ tight we squeak, in fact my band are quite unique”
"That heavy metal driving sound, that’s a real challenge
Three quid to stare at some thick arse, don’t complain you're broke
Tough shit, you're not fooling us, the joke’s on you
Follow and they’ll lead you, right up the garden path"
"You can’t handle I’m the best, the tunes, the power, fuck the rest!
The hordes they flock in cool as ice, don’t question me, I’m always right
Call that a fucking solo, I’ll do better with ten pints in me
Listen to my voice, I’m really fucking angry"
"Seen my bird, my Satan tattoos
I'm here to get fucked right out my nut
I'm jacking up, then falling down, but the lights, the dry ice, the stage act"
Have you ever thought of directing energy towards action?
"Action, I’d sooner fuck my motorbike"
You pile of sexist, drugged up macho shit; you're a hindrance not a help
So go on bang your head harder, we hope it drops right off
Understand this, you might not agree with what they say, do, or stand for
You may just like the music and if that’s all that concerns you fair enough
But don’t ride along on the back of change, to play to all us caring, staring people
Forget it, we won’t be fooled again
If a tune becomes so fucking important, if all that’s talked about is notes, chords and bands, when a records becomes rebellion - an alternative to action
An excuse for doing nothing you helps them... to oppress us
It’s showtime, but you're supporting the foundations we are kicking
“Watch me I can play at 90,000 notes an hour
Know me for my power chords, not supporting of state power
I can play so fucking fast, if you don’t move I’ll kick your arse
We’re so fuckin’ tight we squeak, in fact my band are quite unique”
"That heavy metal driving sound, that’s a real challenge
Three quid to stare at some thick arse, don’t complain you're broke
Tough shit, you're not fooling us, the joke’s on you
Follow and they’ll lead you, right up the garden path"
"You can’t handle I’m the best, the tunes, the power, fuck the rest!
The hordes they flock in cool as ice, don’t question me, I’m always right
Call that a fucking solo, I’ll do better with ten pints in me
Listen to my voice, I’m really fucking angry"
"Seen my bird, my Satan tattoos
I'm here to get fucked right out my nut
I'm jacking up, then falling down, but the lights, the dry ice, the stage act"
Have you ever thought of directing energy towards action?
"Action, I’d sooner fuck my motorbike"
You pile of sexist, drugged up macho shit; you're a hindrance not a help
So go on bang your head harder, we hope it drops right off
Understand this, you might not agree with what they say, do, or stand for
You may just like the music and if that’s all that concerns you fair enough
But don’t ride along on the back of change, to play to all us caring, staring people
Forget it, we won’t be fooled again
If a tune becomes so fucking important, if all that’s talked about is notes, chords and bands, when a records becomes rebellion - an alternative to action
An excuse for doing nothing you helps them... to oppress us
Lyrics submitted by dragonflower44
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
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.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.