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.
Sing a song for the Wrong
And the Wicked and the Strong
And the Sick, as thick as thieves
For the faceless fear that was never so near
Too clear to misbelieve
Well the sea is jumping salty
And the porpoise has the blues
My recollection's faulty
And I cannot find my shoes
And my wiring is misfiring
Due to cigarettes and booze
I'm behind in my dues
I just now got the news
He seems to tell us lies
And still we will believe him
Then together he will lead us
Into darkness, my friends
REFRAIN:
Let it fall down, let it fall down
Let it all fall down
Let it fall down, let it fall down
Let it all fall down
The man says stand to one side, son
We got to keep this big ball rolling
It's just a question of controlling
For whom the bell is tolling
REFRAIN
There'll be suffering and starvation
In the streets young man
Just where have you been, old man
Just look out of your window, man
REFRAIN
Well, it ain't nobody's fault but our own
Still, at least we might could show the good sense
To know when we've been wrong
And it's already taken too long
So we bring it to a stop
Then we take it from the top
We let it settle on down softly
Like your gently falling snow
Or let it tumble down and topple
Like the temple long ago
REFRAIN
And the Wicked and the Strong
And the Sick, as thick as thieves
For the faceless fear that was never so near
Too clear to misbelieve
Well the sea is jumping salty
And the porpoise has the blues
My recollection's faulty
And I cannot find my shoes
And my wiring is misfiring
Due to cigarettes and booze
I'm behind in my dues
I just now got the news
He seems to tell us lies
And still we will believe him
Then together he will lead us
Into darkness, my friends
REFRAIN:
Let it fall down, let it fall down
Let it all fall down
Let it fall down, let it fall down
Let it all fall down
The man says stand to one side, son
We got to keep this big ball rolling
It's just a question of controlling
For whom the bell is tolling
REFRAIN
There'll be suffering and starvation
In the streets young man
Just where have you been, old man
Just look out of your window, man
REFRAIN
Well, it ain't nobody's fault but our own
Still, at least we might could show the good sense
To know when we've been wrong
And it's already taken too long
So we bring it to a stop
Then we take it from the top
We let it settle on down softly
Like your gently falling snow
Or let it tumble down and topple
Like the temple long ago
REFRAIN
Lyrics submitted by oofus
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