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.
Head strong and steadfast junkies
All barter for the clean
They all wait in their plastic lines
To find what color means
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
I spoke to a girl by the backdoor
She said she'd do anything just to meet you
You know I've seen that smile before
Just in time for a knee to hit the ground
Little girls
Dressed up like french whores
In velvet paintings
Wide eyed
Long nails
They all want to live the fairy tale
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
Did they tear you all up inside
Did they take away all your pride
And she cried herself to sleep that night
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do
And you do
And you do know what I mean
Queen want to be queen
Queen want to be queen
Queen want to be queen
Queen want to be queen
All barter for the clean
They all wait in their plastic lines
To find what color means
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
I spoke to a girl by the backdoor
She said she'd do anything just to meet you
You know I've seen that smile before
Just in time for a knee to hit the ground
Little girls
Dressed up like french whores
In velvet paintings
Wide eyed
Long nails
They all want to live the fairy tale
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
Did they tear you all up inside
Did they take away all your pride
And she cried herself to sleep that night
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do know what I mean
Cause they all want to be queen
And you do
And you do
And you do know what I mean
Queen want to be queen
Queen want to be queen
Queen want to be queen
Queen want to be queen
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
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.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
This song is about groupies! After Lemon Parade Tonic was hot shit! its too bad they arent now cuz they kick ass. but they had groupies up the fuckin wazoo. i spoke to a girl by the back door, she said shed do ANYTHING just to meet you you know ive seen that smile before just in time for A KNEE TO HIT THE GROUNF
whistle whistle she wants to be queen
agree with mrpants. it seems to be about the girlie groupie fantasy of getting together with a hot young star and being the princess. perhaps the 1st verse compares this kind of transcendence to the transcendence of a drug trip.