Van Halen

Released: March 17, 1998

Songwriter: Gary Cherone Alex Van Halen Eddie Van Halen Michael Anthony (Bassist)

Producer: Mike Post Eddie Van Halen

[Verse 1:]
Give me liberty or give me death
No truer words have ever been said
Well are you prepared for your very last breath?
Don't you dare start what you cannot finish

So when we face, face the adversary
No longer are we the minority

And when history repeats her hour
The pendulum will swing, swing into power
Though not in vain like our forefathers
Freedom, never had no room for cowards

For in the end, there will be equality
By any means necessary

[Chorus:]
The ballot or the bullet
The choice is up to you
The ballot or the bullet
Tell me what you gonna do
The sword or the pen
Can be held by the same hand

What's it gonna take to liberate?
An emancipation, a false proclamation?
All these token words that you legislate
Sound a little bit absurd. Hey! And a little too late

When a house is divided, it just will not stand
Once it's decided, a line drawn in the sand

[Chorus]

[Guitar Solo]

The ballot or the bullet
The choice is up to you
The ballot or the bullet
Tell me what you gonna do

[Outro:]
The ballot or the bullet
The choice is up to you
The ballot or the bullet
Tell me what you gonna do
The sword or the pen can be
The sword or the pen can be
The sword or the pen can be
The sword or the pen can be
The sword or the pen can be
Held, held by the same hand!

Van Halen is one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time. Formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, the group’s primary line-up consisted of Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth providing lead vocals, and Michael Anthony providing bass duties and significant harmonies.

Their first six albums, recorded and released between 1977–1984, are considered to be classics and pioneering efforts in the field of hard rock. Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar sound and techniques completely changed the landscape of music and radio culture in the 1980s. His and brother Alex’s virtuosity, along with David Lee Roth’s charisma and bassist Michael Anthony’s foundational contributions garnered the band early comparisons to their predecessors—Led Zeppelin—a group who had a profound influence on them. Though, even more so than Jimmy Page, Eddie cites Eric Clapton as having the biggest impact on his playing.

In 1977, after recording a demo with Gene Simmons (who wanted the band to change their name to “Daddy Longlegs”) they were introduced to KISS‘ management, who told Simmons they wouldn’t sign them

more tracks from the album

Van Halen III

From the album

Van Halen III (1998)

Van Halen popular songs

Ballot or the BulletVan Halen

Van Halen

Van Halen III