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.
Now before they take me and my blessed life
Now you'll know why death was summoned here tonight
I'll recall my perils they'll kill me in pride
No, I can't run away there's no place to hide
Though too much to live for I owe enough to die
Ask not for salvation my death shall mean their lives
Hatred and guilt the alter they've built, high priests of sin
Destiny, fate the wicked ones gate beckoning you in
Down the walkways through the blood stained town
Looking down the cross bleeding from the crown
Led to slay, to die besides the thieves
Kill the king of the world to be
And now to you, this will come a putrefying pestilence
More noxious than the serpent's breath malevolently destined
More corrupt than the malice of Choronzon
More disease than the wind of the moonlight sun
Putrefaction you have caused no need for confession
Now you wish you had a God to stop your demolition
Crushing the bones of the hundredfolds swinging the judgment hammer
Man, woman, child no-one is safe the heads of the dead are the banner
And this was all you got so don these broken wings
Sands of time run out, bells of Hades ring
Is this a nightmare to un-hallow thy name
Smell of brimstone dancing in the flames
No help now as you fulfill his task
Chief of evil has got you by the ass
Set free to sit upon the throne
Just a dream, you're weeping all alone
Looking down the cross, speak no evil
I'm looking down the cross, speak no evil
Now you'll know why death was summoned here tonight
I'll recall my perils they'll kill me in pride
No, I can't run away there's no place to hide
Though too much to live for I owe enough to die
Ask not for salvation my death shall mean their lives
Hatred and guilt the alter they've built, high priests of sin
Destiny, fate the wicked ones gate beckoning you in
Down the walkways through the blood stained town
Looking down the cross bleeding from the crown
Led to slay, to die besides the thieves
Kill the king of the world to be
And now to you, this will come a putrefying pestilence
More noxious than the serpent's breath malevolently destined
More corrupt than the malice of Choronzon
More disease than the wind of the moonlight sun
Putrefaction you have caused no need for confession
Now you wish you had a God to stop your demolition
Crushing the bones of the hundredfolds swinging the judgment hammer
Man, woman, child no-one is safe the heads of the dead are the banner
And this was all you got so don these broken wings
Sands of time run out, bells of Hades ring
Is this a nightmare to un-hallow thy name
Smell of brimstone dancing in the flames
No help now as you fulfill his task
Chief of evil has got you by the ass
Set free to sit upon the throne
Just a dream, you're weeping all alone
Looking down the cross, speak no evil
I'm looking down the cross, speak no evil
Lyrics submitted by elmoz, edited by Tricky1979, DaveJ123
Looking Down the Cross Lyrics as written by Dave Mustaine
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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Black Sabbath is not a satanic band. Try to get correct information first before saying something about a band you obviously know nothing about.
Black sabbath is about as satanic as.... Elvis Presley.. They have both been accused of it. lol
This song is meant to be what Jesus Christ's final thoughts may have been when he was crucified, and that he may have been thinking of forgiving those who opposed him, rather than thinking of anger.
what great song, killing is my buisnees is a pretty good debut album
Makes Kill em' all look like ameture hour...
One of the best songs. Shame it has few replies.
Blackened's got it. Christ never spoke of his anger, though, only thought it. Hence the lines, "Speak no evil".
Definitely one of my favorite albums of all time. Might be my favorite. Had such a good variety on it. A very under rated song.
It's not a cover.
that's one of my all time favorite Megadeth songs, it's very emotional... is it me or did Dave write much better when he was always high and a constant asshole
like his music was his only way to emote his regret for the stupidities he would do
Probably one of my favorite 'Deth songs. Love it.
it is about christ. whats funny though is when the anti-christ kerry king had to play this song live when he was filling in the then vacant guitar position in megadeth
Kerry and Slayer write and sing plenty of songs about either satan, god or religion in general... He has made a living out of it, I don't see how playing this back in the day would have fazed him. And as for "anti-christ kerry king" as you put it... more like old, bald softie kerry king. I think he would lauh at your statement.
Wow, these lyrics are wrong... I mean, "Male violently destined?"
Try "malevolently?"