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.
they call the US a free country
well, it's not and you know it
it's nothing but fascism, capitalism, and fear
they're lying and
we're crying out to everyone here
we can fight back
we can fight back
they're got us bowing on our knees
we can stop them
we can fight back
we want anarchy!
we won't take no
we won't take
we want anarchy!
we will fight back
we will fight back
can't buy a beer, can't buy cigarettes
but I can die fighting for that freedom
that freedom that they're taken away
we can fight back
the taxes-every time you buy a beer
you fuckin' pay them
you give them all your money
while you drink your life away
if we are all united
we can take back our lives
while they stand divided
we can fight them and their laws
if we get up off our knees
we can show them that we are people
we can take back this "free" country
we can have an anarchy
there is freedom for all people
they contradict this everyday
there are laws against the Cubans
there are laws against the gays
there is freedom of religion
we can choose any of them all
but the Christians rule this country
and the priests are above the law
well, it's not and you know it
it's nothing but fascism, capitalism, and fear
they're lying and
we're crying out to everyone here
we can fight back
we can fight back
they're got us bowing on our knees
we can stop them
we can fight back
we want anarchy!
we won't take no
we won't take
we want anarchy!
we will fight back
we will fight back
can't buy a beer, can't buy cigarettes
but I can die fighting for that freedom
that freedom that they're taken away
we can fight back
the taxes-every time you buy a beer
you fuckin' pay them
you give them all your money
while you drink your life away
if we are all united
we can take back our lives
while they stand divided
we can fight them and their laws
if we get up off our knees
we can show them that we are people
we can take back this "free" country
we can have an anarchy
there is freedom for all people
they contradict this everyday
there are laws against the Cubans
there are laws against the gays
there is freedom of religion
we can choose any of them all
but the Christians rule this country
and the priests are above the law
Lyrics submitted by a scar in the sky
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Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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they're not anarchists and they don't drink or smoke :| strange little song.. maybe it's saying people should have the right to drink and smoke even if they don't themselves, and anarchy just being a phrase to mean change.