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.
This is a question of the human
Race will this planet remain in
Space two world leaders get
In a fight we'll all be gone
In a flash of light
When I die for my country
I'll take no part in the destruction
From World War III
I have no answer not my
Decision and if I spoke no one
Would listen is this the end
Of history, why should I care
Why should I worry
When we die for our country
We'll take no part in the destruction
From World War III
Race will this planet remain in
Space two world leaders get
In a fight we'll all be gone
In a flash of light
When I die for my country
I'll take no part in the destruction
From World War III
I have no answer not my
Decision and if I spoke no one
Would listen is this the end
Of history, why should I care
Why should I worry
When we die for our country
We'll take no part in the destruction
From World War III
Lyrics submitted by black_cow_of_death
World War III Lyrics as written by Robert Brewer John P. Bell
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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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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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Good earlier punk before the whole seein' red so listen to it and see that they were good before that!!
there's some really good music out there now, and some really really bad music out there. unwritten law is some really good music.
this song is from when they were good, and with the original memebers... that new shit that i heard on Mtv sucks.... i have to admit though that it had a catchy tune, that kids would sing along to. so, if thats what they're going for, then i guess that they really do " follow the leader."
just realised how much this song suits the whole war situation thing now
dickward1 - good job on picking up on how ul changed their music to appeal to the mtv kids.
it couldn't be because songs from blue room were written around 11 years ago.
it couldn't have been because they are now older and don't still play the exact same music they did when they were 18.
it couldn't have been because they have evolved into a more solid group that has deeper lyrics and musical quality.
nope, they sold out. case closed.
and by original member(s), i assume you mean the 1 change in lineup that is bassist john bell being replaced by pat kim. that was such a huuuuuuge change
THEY DIDN'T SELL OUT! they've just evolved you should just be happy they're finally getting some of the credit they deserve
altho i will admit i don't like elva as much as the earlier stuff
---Stoneface---You don't know what you're talking about. Have you ever seen Unwritten law when they still had John Bell???
I don't think you fully realize the insane amount of energy UL harnessed in those early days.
My first exposure to UL was in 93' At the old SOMA in downtown San Diego. I went to see headliners Green Day but Unwritten Law stole the show. They played songs like WWIII, Kill to Breathe, Tribute, Superficial Society, Driven, I Will Refuse, Obsession...etc......That was the REAL Unwritten Law!!!!!!
I was blown away to find out that they were from my little neighborhood. (Poway/PQ)I bought their 6 song demo cassette (it came in a funky little plastic case) For the next 7 years I never missed 1 show (in SD)
I'm not bragging or claiming to be cool because of this, I'm simply stating that I've had a pretty damn good perspective on the evolution of UL.
For you to claim that there was no huge change between John Bell and PK is completely ridiculous. It's hard to compare Bell to anyone from the Blue Room Recording alone because it cost almost nothing to make in a hole in a wall studio on an almost bankrupt record label. (It's still my favorite though)
You would have had to have seen them live back in the day to get an accurate comparison. They lost a step when they started watering down their live set with newer slower happier songs around 98'.
Don't get me wrong, I was still really into their music, they just weren't the same. They became better songwriters. They still put on an awesome show. I still bought their CDs and enjoyed every bit of their new music. But it was a huuuge difference.
I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect that.
It's too bad Unwritten Law is dead now. They died to me the day Wade left the band. Wade was the heart and soul of Unwritten Law. And now that Rob Brewer has left the band I refuse to even give the new stuff a chance.
It has nothing to do with selling out, Scott Russo's bank account has nothing to do with my opinion of his new band. There mourning CD is hollowed out cookie cutter boring bullshit that they are trying to pass off as Unwritten Law. I almost broke down in tears when I heard him singin about dancing on the radio one day.\
I do realize that I am about 4 years too late for this argument. But I'm sure someone will read this.
A few years ago I found a crappy live recording of "I will Refuse." Oh man!!! That brought back soooooooo many memories. I haven't seen them play that live since at least 94'
Cheers!