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.
All of the bones in your body
Are in way too few pieces for me
Time to do something about it
If you know what I mean
I'm on a sidewalk safari
If I see you on the street you'd better run
Away from my all terrain weapon
In your direction
In your direction
In your direction
In your direction
I'm on a sidewalk safari
If I see you on the street you'd better run
You should have taken a taxi
In your direction
'Cause I'm gonna run you down
In your direction
I'm gonna hunt you down
In your direction
I'm gonna run you down
In your direction
I'm gonna hunt you down
In your direction
Mmm I'm bad with bows and arrows
I'm not so good at guns
Poison seems old-fashioned
And hired help's no fun
But I do know how to drive a car
Faster than a man can run
'Cause I'm gonna run you down
In your direction
I'm gonna hunt you down
In your direction
I'm gonna run you down
In your direction
I'm gonna hunt you down
In your direction
Are in way too few pieces for me
Time to do something about it
If you know what I mean
I'm on a sidewalk safari
If I see you on the street you'd better run
Away from my all terrain weapon
In your direction
In your direction
In your direction
In your direction
I'm on a sidewalk safari
If I see you on the street you'd better run
You should have taken a taxi
In your direction
'Cause I'm gonna run you down
In your direction
I'm gonna hunt you down
In your direction
I'm gonna run you down
In your direction
I'm gonna hunt you down
In your direction
Mmm I'm bad with bows and arrows
I'm not so good at guns
Poison seems old-fashioned
And hired help's no fun
But I do know how to drive a car
Faster than a man can run
'Cause I'm gonna run you down
In your direction
I'm gonna hunt you down
In your direction
I'm gonna run you down
In your direction
I'm gonna hunt you down
In your direction
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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Great version of a great song,
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I know they say it's about GTA, but I like to think it's about revenge. Thinking about it in terms of revenge makes the first three lines creepy and amazing. Also, I can think of someone I would love to say these things to.
@cutewhensedated Yeah it's absolutely about revenge. It's one particular man she wants to run down. I love the part where she's deciding how best to kill him!