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.
Killing a southern belle is all you know how to do
That and give other people hell
It's what they expect from you too
But I wouldn't have you how you want
I don't want to walk around
I don't even want to breathe
I live in a southern town
Where all you can do is grit yr teeth
But I wouldn't have you how you want
How come you're not ashamed of what you are?
And sorry that you're the one she got?
Ain't nobody looking now
Nobody nothing's said
No one's about to shout
Nobody's seen red
But I wouldn't have you how you want
You're killing a southern belle
Killing a southern belle
Killing a southern belle
That and give other people hell
It's what they expect from you too
But I wouldn't have you how you want
I don't want to walk around
I don't even want to breathe
I live in a southern town
Where all you can do is grit yr teeth
But I wouldn't have you how you want
How come you're not ashamed of what you are?
And sorry that you're the one she got?
Ain't nobody looking now
Nobody nothing's said
No one's about to shout
Nobody's seen red
But I wouldn't have you how you want
You're killing a southern belle
Killing a southern belle
Killing a southern belle
Lyrics submitted by EnjOy IncUbus, edited by gophergun
Southern Belle Lyrics as written by Steven P. Smith
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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its about an husband abusing his wife methinks. probably when they marry she used to be very lovely, probably a "belle"...now her life it's ruined and what she had of good (her rank as "belle") it's gone away. he deprives her of her good qualities, she's not a southern belle anymore, just a battered wife. its about killing someone's soul through abuse either physical or mental.