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.
I've been to a minor place
and I can say I like its face
if I am gone and with no trace
I will be in a minor place
well I put the shoes in line
separate the women mine
as we do what we do fine
so victorious, so benign
chorus
only take the weather warm
and the job that does me harm
the scars of last year's storm
rest like maggots on my arm
chorus
thank you man if for the thought
that all my loving can be bought
was wisely in your gullet caught
before my loyalty you sought
chorus
o it's not a desert nor a web
nor a tomb where I lay dead
minor in a sound alone
yes a clear commanding tone
singing from my little point
and aching in my every joint
I thank the world it will anoint me
if I show it how I hold it
and I can say I like its face
if I am gone and with no trace
I will be in a minor place
well I put the shoes in line
separate the women mine
as we do what we do fine
so victorious, so benign
chorus
only take the weather warm
and the job that does me harm
the scars of last year's storm
rest like maggots on my arm
chorus
thank you man if for the thought
that all my loving can be bought
was wisely in your gullet caught
before my loyalty you sought
chorus
o it's not a desert nor a web
nor a tomb where I lay dead
minor in a sound alone
yes a clear commanding tone
singing from my little point
and aching in my every joint
I thank the world it will anoint me
if I show it how I hold it
Lyrics submitted by cardamom
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
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The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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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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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/
This song reminds me of a quote by Søren Kierkegaard: "In addition to my numerous other acquaintances I have still one more intimate friend – my melancholy. In the midst of pleasure, in the midst of work, she beckons to me, calls me aside, even though I remain present bodily. My melancholy is the most faithful sweetheart I have had – no wonder that I return the love!"
The first few lines seem to say that the narrator has been to a low place in life, but he understands what the feeling is for and its importance to his life- perhaps even to the point where he loves his intimate friend.
I've been to a minor place and I can say I like its face if I am gone and with no trace I will be in a minor place
In the final stanzas of the song he seems to say that a minor, or low place, in life is not the end, nor is it a barren place like a desert- it's really what you make of it. It's minor in sound/feeling alone, and it has a commanding tone to it that drives him to make art despite the pain.
o it's not a desert nor a web nor a tomb where I lay dead minor in a sound alone yes a clear commanding tone
singing from my little point and aching in my every joint I thank the world it will anoint me if I show it how I hold it