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.
Everywhere I hear the sound
Of marching, charging feet, boy
'Cause summer's here and the time is right
For fighting in the street, boy
Well, now what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock and roll band?
'Cause in sleepy London Town
There's just no place for street fighting man, no
Hey, think the time is right
For a palace revolution
'Cause where I live the game to play
Is compromise solution
Well, now what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock and roll band?
'Cause in sleepy London Town
There's just no place for street fighting man, no
Get down
Hey, said my name is called Disturbance
I'll shout and scream, I'll kill the king
I'll rail at all his servants
Well, now what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock and roll band?
'Cause in sleepy London Town
There's just no place for street fighting man, no
Get down
Of marching, charging feet, boy
'Cause summer's here and the time is right
For fighting in the street, boy
Well, now what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock and roll band?
'Cause in sleepy London Town
There's just no place for street fighting man, no
Hey, think the time is right
For a palace revolution
'Cause where I live the game to play
Is compromise solution
Well, now what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock and roll band?
'Cause in sleepy London Town
There's just no place for street fighting man, no
Get down
Hey, said my name is called Disturbance
I'll shout and scream, I'll kill the king
I'll rail at all his servants
Well, now what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock and roll band?
'Cause in sleepy London Town
There's just no place for street fighting man, no
Get down
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
Street Fighting Man Lyrics as written by Mick Jagger Keith Richards
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Abkco Music Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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After the Kent State massacre in 1970, the students at the University took to protesting and squared off with the national guard there as well. After a few tense hours, the dean of college pleaded with the governor to withdraw the guard and he did so. Immediately afterward, the students agreed that anyone with a copy of this song needed to play it at full volume and blast it out the speakers.
A protest song for the protestors celebration of their few victories, even though Jagger admits "what can a poor boy do, except sing for a rock and roll band."