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.
No, I can't forget this evening
Or your face as you were leaving
But I guess that's just the way the story goes
You always smile, but in your eyes your sorrow shows
Yes, it shows
No, I can't forget tomorrow
When I think of all my sorrows
Well, I had you there but then I let you go
And now it's only fair that I should let you know
What you should know
I can't live, if living is without you
I can't live, I can't give any more
Can't live, if living is without you
I can't give, I can't give any more
Well, I can't forget this evening
Or your face as you were leaving
But I guess that's just the way the story goes
You always smile, but in your eyes your sorrow shows
Yes, it shows
Can't live, if living is without you
I can't live, I can't give anymore
I can't live, if living is without you
I can't live, I can't give anymore
(Living is without you)
Or your face as you were leaving
But I guess that's just the way the story goes
You always smile, but in your eyes your sorrow shows
Yes, it shows
No, I can't forget tomorrow
When I think of all my sorrows
Well, I had you there but then I let you go
And now it's only fair that I should let you know
What you should know
I can't live, if living is without you
I can't live, I can't give any more
Can't live, if living is without you
I can't give, I can't give any more
Well, I can't forget this evening
Or your face as you were leaving
But I guess that's just the way the story goes
You always smile, but in your eyes your sorrow shows
Yes, it shows
Can't live, if living is without you
I can't live, I can't give anymore
I can't live, if living is without you
I can't live, I can't give anymore
(Living is without you)
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
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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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
I have always loved this song and I agree, I think it captures the intensity and emotion of a breakup. I also love that he realizes he's made a mistake by breaking up with the other person because it feeds into that fantasy we've all had when someone has broken up with us and we want them to realize they still want us. (sigh)
This song is doomed in many ways. A tragic and sad love song. More ominously are the number of dark trajic events surrounding it.
Both the original writers (Ham and Evans) from Badfinger never made any money on royalties from the more commercially successful Nilson version. They then separately hung themselves. Nilson had a promising career but then after many years of alcoholism finally died on the day Maria Carey rereleased the song. After this song she herself had a number of problems related to drugs. Probably not a song any artist perhaps should cover.... With reference Nilsonn's version - it is completely different to the Badfinger version. Both are very good in different ways.
Nilson's vocals are perfect, the sheer emotion in the chorus still sends a shiver don your spine. Simple lyrics always say so much.
@UNCLEJUNIORSOPRANO<br /> <br /> THIS IS THE BEST ANALYSIS I'VE READ ABOUT THIS SONG, ANYWHERE, & IT'S WELL WRITTEN INDEED. CAN ADD ONLY 1 MORE THING; THAT THIS SONG COULD ELICIT THE EMOTIONS OF A MAN FORCED INTO A DIVORCE DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES (SUCH AS ALCOHOLISM). IT COULD EVEN APPLY TO A MAN WHO LOSES HIS SON OR DAUGHTER IN A DIVORCE, & SHE MOVES FAR AWAY WITH HER MOTHER. THAT IS EVEN MORE PAINFUL THAN MERELY LOSING A GIRLFRIEND.
I was not aware of either the Badfinger version or the Air Supply cover! thanks guys :-)
I think this is the best version though, much better than the Mariah Carey version.
A very powerful song and one of the best love songs ever IMO.
This song is my favourite. But doesn't it mean that she was dying "I can't forget this evening Or your face as you were leaving " & " You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows" means that she is sorry that she has to leave. When you analyse the song closely, it doesn't actually mean that they are breaking up. "When I had you there but then I let you go" also depicts the death of his lover, when he thinks he could have saved.
The second verse was really confusing, as it is said in past tense, and it has tommorrow in it.
I think he uses the term tomorrow because he could have had her in his future if he really wanted, but he let her go instead. It was for her own good, and it's what he thought he wanted, but the decision haunts him.<br /> <br /> I don't see death in the song. I see a painful breakup where both people still want to be together but have to give up on the relationship because they want different things out of life. They've known it for a long time but they hang on because they love each other. Eventually, they conclude that they both have to move on to get what they want out of life.<br /> <br /> I'm not even going to try to pretend I'm not talking about myself here. It's a powerful song, and I think it's general enough to apply to many lovesick situations.
@UNCLEJUNIORSOPRANO<br /> <br /> I NOTICED THE SAME THING. HERE'S YOUR ANSWER: TOMORROW RHYMES WITH SORROW. OTHERWISE, TO MAKE SENSE, THE VERSE WOULD HAVE TO BE, "I COULDN'T FORGET THE NEXT DAY", & THAT SIMPLY WOULDN'T WORK.
intense extremely, the words the music, the emotions. well i just can't get the suiside scene from "rules of attraction" out of my head once i hear it, it does suit it and/or if your in the thought of suiside or depression. But yeh this could be about breakup the guit someone goes through. intensly sad song :( but its beautiful.
Ham was walking down the halls of the recording studio, when he haerd Nillsson recording it, the way Harry was singing and belting out the lyrics, and the composing of the music was what ham wanted, the other band members of Badfinger wanted the slow mellow version they recorded. A big mistake for Badfinger, great break for Harry. Till the day he killed himself ham, always felt that badfinger made a bad decisson on this song. Which I feel they did also. Ham wanted to take this song to the style and limit that harry did. Can't remember or not if Harry had this song used in the very rare, very unknown movie "Son of Dracula" with Ringo Star starring in it. I know Jump into the fire was used by Harry in the movie, in fact I think he did all the songs. But Nillsson for years had influences on the beatles, other british bands, plus Old Blue Eyes recorded quite a few of his songs also. Remeber harry was born in 1939 I think, by his 29s he was having songs recorded by others, the british bads took their cues from people like Nillsson, and the blues coming out of the south. It was the british bands like the Beatles, and Rolling Stones, and others will tell you the Blues had gave them a very strong impression of these people from Harry Nillsson, to Sonny Boy Williamson,and others.
Well even though the original version was done by Badfinger, they also wrote it, Nilsson delivers an amazing perfromance, shows tragedy and pain.
But the best cover of the song by far is made by Air Supply, you ought yourselves to listen to it, it's on their album "The Earth Is" in case you want to check it out.
Ham & Evans - not some breakfast food - but two Swansea guys - comments allude to their hanging themselves - the real story is far deeper I think. Jack boys rule - so much talent
i heard this song on the radio one time and his voice just...it was like i HAD to stop and listen. it was so weird, but in a good way, you know??
Sometimes feelings for someone become so strong that, over time, they go from new and exciting to mere facts. Nilsson conveys this sentiment amazingly, and that's why his version is so chilling. The first time he sings the chorus, he sings it as if he's reading the weather, which--given that he is threatening to end his own life--is insanely powerful.