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.
You called me up on the phone today
Struggling with the right words to say.
Time can change a thing or two.
Time has changed the lives of me and you,
But you know it could have been different dad.
The word brings back a sweet memory.
I'm sitting on a bluff on a broken tree,
By my side a distinguished man
Giving me encouragement, telling me I can,
And you know you're not there.
You say, "Son, let's forget the past,
I want another chance, gonna make it last."
You're begging me for a brand new start,
Trying to mend a bridge that's been blown apart,
But you know you never built it dad.
So I sit here through the night,
And I write myself to sleep,
And time keeps ticking
Time has made you finally realize
Your loneliness and your guilt inside.
You're reaching for something you never had,
Turning around now you're looking back,
And you know I'm not there.
You say, "Son, let's forget the past.
I want another chance, gonna make it last."
You're begging me for a brand new start,
Trying to mend a bridge that's been blown apart,
But you know you never built it dad.
Struggling with the right words to say.
Time can change a thing or two.
Time has changed the lives of me and you,
But you know it could have been different dad.
The word brings back a sweet memory.
I'm sitting on a bluff on a broken tree,
By my side a distinguished man
Giving me encouragement, telling me I can,
And you know you're not there.
You say, "Son, let's forget the past,
I want another chance, gonna make it last."
You're begging me for a brand new start,
Trying to mend a bridge that's been blown apart,
But you know you never built it dad.
So I sit here through the night,
And I write myself to sleep,
And time keeps ticking
Time has made you finally realize
Your loneliness and your guilt inside.
You're reaching for something you never had,
Turning around now you're looking back,
And you know I'm not there.
You say, "Son, let's forget the past.
I want another chance, gonna make it last."
You're begging me for a brand new start,
Trying to mend a bridge that's been blown apart,
But you know you never built it dad.
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Light Up The Sky
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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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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 song Chris DeGarmo wrote about his dad, who died during the Promised Land recording sessions. Chris had an uneasy relationship with his father and his father tried to open back up to him, but Chris just didn't care about him after he was such a dick as a kid.