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.
we are the high street service trays / coming to take you away / pasadena 1968 / with speed on your breakfast plate / aunt cancer calls them happy pills / they keep her calm and cool until he leaves / the moccasin skin obsession leather thigh / white tennis skirt so high / the eyes of mine are new and kind / but the hair's not grey, it's white / and grandfather's an ascot noose / can't tie the tassels on his shoes / leave me / these are the red-eyed politics / the cocktail revisionists / war room rules: no wives or kids / here men sing the boy in them / the hedge casts heroes late across our lawn / the valley hunt militiamen, all gone / thought we had the lock in '54 / now the maid owns the house next door / and what's more / swims in the pool she used to clean / our new king looks like a queen / leave me / oh god stop tearing off the roof / of my experimental bathroom / it's the only thing that's halfway mine / and not for your prying and lying eyes / the empire's melting like ice cream / on the altar of the sun / this skin we've stretched for centuries / it's faded, it's fraying, it's meaningless to me
Lyrics submitted by PLANES
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
This is a song about the immigrant influx and social changes in Pasadena in the 60s. The supposedly "upstanding" members of the community are threatened by this change:
"Thought we had the lock in '54 / now the maid owns the house next door / and what's more / swims in the pool she used to clean / our new king looks like a queen."