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.
Mamas put your babies to sleep, story too cruelsome for them this is.
In Junior high she said goodbye to her parents and ran away with a boy.
She left her family warm and kind, all of her friends said
"you´re out of your mind".
Life of her own she would find, it´s Monday and she´s gotta grind.
A Job as a waitress she sure was to find, beautiful face, mind of a child.
Boy got her pregnant, Mary-Lou cried,"
For this I am too young
Oh why did you lie" You said "it´s okay if we do it today",
I was so scared that you would go away.
"Despite all the papers been signed,
Mama take me back be so kind".
Only a child, reckless and wild, needs to come home again.
He promised the moon but won´t marry you.
Nothing to do, eating for two, he´s goin´ out with someone new.
Sunshine or rain, it´s all the same, life isn´t gray
Oh Mary-Lou.
Mamas do your children still sleep,
In the safe of their cradles so sweet.
Story I told you I have forseen,
Your little angel ain´t always so clean.
Days to come aren´t easy to see,
You can change ´em but it isn´t free.
I see that you don´t believe, ooo-oo, but you will see.
In Junior high she said goodbye to her parents and ran away with a boy.
She left her family warm and kind, all of her friends said
"you´re out of your mind".
Life of her own she would find, it´s Monday and she´s gotta grind.
A Job as a waitress she sure was to find, beautiful face, mind of a child.
Boy got her pregnant, Mary-Lou cried,"
For this I am too young
Oh why did you lie" You said "it´s okay if we do it today",
I was so scared that you would go away.
"Despite all the papers been signed,
Mama take me back be so kind".
Only a child, reckless and wild, needs to come home again.
He promised the moon but won´t marry you.
Nothing to do, eating for two, he´s goin´ out with someone new.
Sunshine or rain, it´s all the same, life isn´t gray
Oh Mary-Lou.
Mamas do your children still sleep,
In the safe of their cradles so sweet.
Story I told you I have forseen,
Your little angel ain´t always so clean.
Days to come aren´t easy to see,
You can change ´em but it isn´t free.
I see that you don´t believe, ooo-oo, but you will see.
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