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.
She's got her eye on the wind
She resents her own skin
She wants to fly
She's got a bend in her mind
She treats herself so unkind
She don't know why
Innocent Jane
She's got an innocent name
But in the still of the night
Or in the heat of the light
She'll confess to you
That everybody's guilty
She'll confess to you
That everybody's guilty
Well, everybody can stare
They won't find nothing there incriminating
It's all buried inside
Where it can stay safe and hide
Latent destruction, lying in waiting
Come on, Jane, throw that stuff away
You got to let yourself die every day
Because the thief breaks in to kill and steal
He don't make no friends and his words ain't real
He will take you out and beat on you
And after all of this is through
He'll make you promise that you'll never tell
He wants your loyalty in the fires of hell
You got to run into the arms of someone kinder
Someone who doesn't care what a woman's put behind her
Just say, "Forgiver of sins,
Won't you come right on in
And in the still of the night
By a sweet candlelight
Tell me how You came to be the Savior of the guilty
How You came to be the Savior of the guilty."
She resents her own skin
She wants to fly
She's got a bend in her mind
She treats herself so unkind
She don't know why
Innocent Jane
She's got an innocent name
But in the still of the night
Or in the heat of the light
She'll confess to you
That everybody's guilty
She'll confess to you
That everybody's guilty
Well, everybody can stare
They won't find nothing there incriminating
It's all buried inside
Where it can stay safe and hide
Latent destruction, lying in waiting
Come on, Jane, throw that stuff away
You got to let yourself die every day
Because the thief breaks in to kill and steal
He don't make no friends and his words ain't real
He will take you out and beat on you
And after all of this is through
He'll make you promise that you'll never tell
He wants your loyalty in the fires of hell
You got to run into the arms of someone kinder
Someone who doesn't care what a woman's put behind her
Just say, "Forgiver of sins,
Won't you come right on in
And in the still of the night
By a sweet candlelight
Tell me how You came to be the Savior of the guilty
How You came to be the Savior of the guilty."
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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.
Cajun Girl
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
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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/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
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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.