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.
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
Please do not fear 'cause Fishbone is here to say (say what?)
Just have a good time, the stop sign is far away
The toilet has flushed and green lights are a ghost
And drop drills will be extinct
Speed Racer cloud has come
They know not what they've done
Sin has just won
And the Earth is a crumb
Johnny, go get your gun, for the commies are in our hemisphere today
Ivan, go fly your MiG, for the Yankee imperialists have come to play
Johnny goes to Sally's house to kiss her goodbye
But Daddy says to spend the night
They make love 'till the early morning light
For tomorrow Johnny goes to fight
Johnny, Ivan, Ian, everybody come along for our nations need new heroes
Time to sing a new war song
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
Please do not fear 'cause Fishbone is here to say (say what?)
Just have a good time, the stop sign is far away
The toilet has flushed and green lights are a ghost
And drop drills will be extinct
Speed Racer cloud has come
They know not what they've done
Sin has just won
And the Earth is a crumb
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
"This is not a chawade!"
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
"This is not a chawade!"
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
"This is not a chawade!"
"This is not a chawade!"
"1051
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
Please do not fear 'cause Fishbone is here to say (say what?)
Just have a good time, the stop sign is far away
The toilet has flushed and green lights are a ghost
And drop drills will be extinct
Speed Racer cloud has come
They know not what they've done
Sin has just won
And the Earth is a crumb
Johnny, go get your gun, for the commies are in our hemisphere today
Ivan, go fly your MiG, for the Yankee imperialists have come to play
Johnny goes to Sally's house to kiss her goodbye
But Daddy says to spend the night
They make love 'till the early morning light
For tomorrow Johnny goes to fight
Johnny, Ivan, Ian, everybody come along for our nations need new heroes
Time to sing a new war song
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
Please do not fear 'cause Fishbone is here to say (say what?)
Just have a good time, the stop sign is far away
The toilet has flushed and green lights are a ghost
And drop drills will be extinct
Speed Racer cloud has come
They know not what they've done
Sin has just won
And the Earth is a crumb
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
"This is not a chawade!"
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
"This is not a chawade!"
Party at ground zero
A "B" movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
"This is not a chawade!"
"This is not a chawade!"
"1051
Lyrics submitted by Yoshiidino, edited by JohnnyLurg
Party at Ground Zero Lyrics as written by John Norwood Fisher Angelo Christopher Moore
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
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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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,
American Town
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Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
This is a Cold War song. Before "Ground Zero" referred to the World Trade Center ruins, it meant a potential apocalypse that would be caused by either America or the USSR (also see "Christmas at Ground Zero" by Weird Al Yankovic). "Johnny" in this song means an American soldier, while "Ivan" (which is Russian for John) is a Soviet soldier.