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.
When I was a young boy
My mama said to me
Your daddy's leavin' home today
I think he's gone to stay
We packed up all our bags
And drove out to Winnipeg
When we got to Winnipeg
I checked in to school
I wore white bucks on my feet
When I learned the golden rule
The punches came fast and hard
Lying on my back in the school yard
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Well, pretty soon I met a friend
He played guitar
We used to sit on the steps at school
And dream of being stars
We started a band
We played all night
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
The businessmen crowded around
They came to hear the golden sound
There we were on the Sunset Strip
Playing our songs for the highest bid
We played all night
The price was right
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Well, all that glitters isn't gold
I know you've heard that story told
And I'm a pauper in a naked disguise
A millionaire through a business man's eyes
Oh, friend of mine
Don't be denied
My mama said to me
Your daddy's leavin' home today
I think he's gone to stay
We packed up all our bags
And drove out to Winnipeg
When we got to Winnipeg
I checked in to school
I wore white bucks on my feet
When I learned the golden rule
The punches came fast and hard
Lying on my back in the school yard
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Well, pretty soon I met a friend
He played guitar
We used to sit on the steps at school
And dream of being stars
We started a band
We played all night
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
The businessmen crowded around
They came to hear the golden sound
There we were on the Sunset Strip
Playing our songs for the highest bid
We played all night
The price was right
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Well, all that glitters isn't gold
I know you've heard that story told
And I'm a pauper in a naked disguise
A millionaire through a business man's eyes
Oh, friend of mine
Don't be denied
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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"Oh Canada, We played all night. I really hate to leave you now, But to stay here wouldn't feel right." So much passion, emotion and guilt leaving his place of birth. That says so much, and sparks up so many emotions in like three little sentences. Pure genius from a master storyteller.