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.
Travel On
so here we are again
sleeping on the bridges in the rain
under the new sky again
i hear the rumble of the train
another city to refuse
another bout of those hopeless wandering blues
you know we've still got one more chance to lose
do what's true, true to you
don't let the world tell you what to do
there's no wrong, travel on
do what's true, true to you
another corner and it's gone
but I still got a beat up guitar to play my songs
silence here is tried & true
only falsehoods would a verbal message do
and i've got nothing left to say
one hesitation would be to waste the day
onward, onward to futures
sunny & stray
do what's true, true to you
don't let the world tell you what to do
there's no wrong, travel on
do what's true, true to you
the global money market race
upon earth it brings it's own disgrace
and we stand laughing in it's face
pledging defiance to the cutthroats & the haste
with little more to survive
as we turn our paths to the side
for those that will not walk along
the road we have only pride..
outside....
so do what's true, true to you
don't let the world tell you what to do
there's no wrong, travel on
do what's true, true to you
so here we are again
sleeping on the bridges in the rain
under the new sky again
i hear the rumble of the train
another city to refuse
another bout of those hopeless wandering blues
you know we've still got one more chance to lose
do what's true, true to you
don't let the world tell you what to do
there's no wrong, travel on
do what's true, true to you
another corner and it's gone
but I still got a beat up guitar to play my songs
silence here is tried & true
only falsehoods would a verbal message do
and i've got nothing left to say
one hesitation would be to waste the day
onward, onward to futures
sunny & stray
do what's true, true to you
don't let the world tell you what to do
there's no wrong, travel on
do what's true, true to you
the global money market race
upon earth it brings it's own disgrace
and we stand laughing in it's face
pledging defiance to the cutthroats & the haste
with little more to survive
as we turn our paths to the side
for those that will not walk along
the road we have only pride..
outside....
so do what's true, true to you
don't let the world tell you what to do
there's no wrong, travel on
do what's true, true to you
Lyrics submitted by x.dave.x
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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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
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/
I can't believe no one has commented on this song yet. It's so fantastic.