Van Halen

Released: March 26, 1980

Songwriter: Alex Van Halen Eddie Van Halen David Lee Roth Michael Anthony (Bassist)

Producer: Ted Templeman

Well, I ain't about to go to school
And I'm sick and tired of golden rules
They say I'm crazy, from the wrong side of the tracks
I never see them, but they're always on my back
Well, I'm sick and tired of cleaning room
And it's the final bell for pushing broom
Damned if I do, and then I'm damned if I don't
Won't someone tell me what it is they all want?

It makes me blue!
Ooh, I live with fools!
Ooh, it makes me blue!
Ooh, I live with fools!

I just can't take it!
My teachers all gave up on me
No matter what they say, I disagree
And when I need something to soothe my soul
I listen to too much rock 'n' roll
Don't want no class reunion
This circus just left town
Why behave in public if you're
Livin' on a playground?

It makes me blue!
Ooh, I live with fools!
Ooh, it makes me blue!
Ooh, I live with fools!

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

Women and Children First

From the album

Women and Children First (1980)

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Women and Children First