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.
Son, I'm 30
I only went with your mother 'cause she's dirty
And I don't have a decent bone in me
What you get is just what you see yeah
I see it so I take it freely
And all the bad piss ugly things I feed me
I never help or give to the needy
Come on and see me
I had to crucify some brother today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
I said dad you're shabby
You run around and groove like a baggy
You're only here just out of habit
All that's mine you might as well have it
You take ten feet back and then stab it
Spray it on and 'tag it
So sack on me
I can't stand the needy
Get around here if you're asking you're feeling
I had to crucify somebody today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
So sack all the needy
I can't stand to leave it
You come around here and you put both your feet in
I had to crucify somebody today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So go on and say it
I had to crucify some brother today
And I don't hear what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
I only went with your mother 'cause she's dirty
And I don't have a decent bone in me
What you get is just what you see yeah
I see it so I take it freely
And all the bad piss ugly things I feed me
I never help or give to the needy
Come on and see me
I had to crucify some brother today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
I said dad you're shabby
You run around and groove like a baggy
You're only here just out of habit
All that's mine you might as well have it
You take ten feet back and then stab it
Spray it on and 'tag it
So sack on me
I can't stand the needy
Get around here if you're asking you're feeling
I had to crucify somebody today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
So sack all the needy
I can't stand to leave it
You come around here and you put both your feet in
I had to crucify somebody today
And I don't dig what you gotta say
So go on and say it
I had to crucify some brother today
And I don't hear what you gotta say
So come on and say it
Come on and tell me twice
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
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“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
One of the mondays greatest songs. a stream-of-consciousness from the father and son. my favourite opening line of all time.
Such a good song. :-) Tony Wilson says this is one of the greatest songs ever written about parenthood.
What a tune!! Bez dancing in the video cracks me up every time!!
Agree with everyone here . This was/ is a great song. How many babies are born each year with fathers that could say the line in all honesty, 'son I'm 30 I only went with ya mother cause she's dirty'. I've read Shaun Ryder's autobiography. He's dead honest. And hates liars, pretenders. And he's seen all the b.s in the music industry. His brother, former Happy Monday's band member, has mentioned he thought Shaun wrote this line as a dig at him cause he became a parent real young. But no it isn't true. Shaun suggests in his book it's more about himself. Even though he was 28 wen he became a dad. Also from reading about him I've finally discovered 'sack on me' is a Manchester expression for ' giving up'' or ending something. That's makes the lyrics of this song make perfect sense. Sack on me cause I'm a loser who doesn't care ??? Maybe.
Hey Shlep, you’re bang on with “sack on me”
Quality choon, love the opening verse :D
The best opening line ever. Shaun Ryder was/is a lyrical genius.
you take 10p back and then stab it spray it on and tag it TopClass#
@wtrussler Ten FEET. :)
Why the title? I don't get it (English is not my mother tongue)
Could anyone explain? Thaks in advance!
There may not be any particular significance to the title, it may just note the importance of Black (specifically African-American) culture to the world of popular music. Considering that this song "Borrows" some of its inspiration from "Lady Marmalade", I think my interpretation may be correct.
@locaxdave Originally they wanted to call the song " groovy afro " , but because "the farm" had just released " groovy train", the idea was scrapped. The song started out in a jamming session when after the bass player had been listening to " hot chocolate " greates hits, and took his bass line from that influence.
This matures with the best, getting more tasty each time I hear it. I was actually surprised when I saw Shaun Ryder on the British TV programme 'Im a celebrity get me out of here', I was surprised just how together he still is after his heady days in rock and roll
Anthony Wilson states that Shaun Ryder wrote this song about his father, who was part of the Happy Mondays' road crew. Supposedly, he enjoyed the lifestyle just like any member of the band, and was forthright that he was unprepared for fatherhood. Wilson likes to compare this style of writing to W.B. Yeats' "A Prayer For My Daughter". Source is the commentary Wilson recorded for the "24 Hour Party People" feature film DVD, which is highly recommended.
@FilthyMcNasty
@FilthyMcNasty Only part of the song is about his dad. The rest is about Shaun becoming a parent. He pretty much knew his shortcomings as a parent early in life. Though the mother of his first child, Trish, Shaun Ryder has a lot of respect for. As she was always a good mother. And has made a successful life for herself now in America. I only know cause I’ve read Shaun Ryder’s biographies, books. Shaun Ryder was not happy with his father hanging around constantly during The Happy Monday’s success. He wanted him to F - off.