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.
Hanging out down the street
The same old thing we did last week
Not a thing to do, but talk to you
We're all alright(x2)
HELLO WISCONSIN!!!
The same old thing we did last week
Not a thing to do, but talk to you
We're all alright(x2)
HELLO WISCONSIN!!!
Lyrics submitted by the Edge
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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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"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Blue
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“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
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Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
The full lyrics are
Hangin' out Down the street The same old thing We did last week Not a thing to do But talk to you woo woo yeah! Mom and Dad Live upstairs The musics loud So we don't care Nixon's gone But rock lives on Alright! We're still rockin' In Wisconsin Oh yeah! We're still rockin' In Wisconsin That's right! Steal a car and Drive on down Pick me up And we'll drive around Not a thing to do But talk to you woo woo yeah! Hello Wisconsin! (Danny Masterson)
Season 2 +
"That 70s Song" by Cheap Trick (Opening Credits Version)
Hangin' out Down the street The same old thing We did last week Not a thing to do But talk to you We're all alright! We're all alright! Hello Wisconsin! (Robin Zander of Cheap Trick)
"That 70s Song" by Cheap Trick (Full Version)
Hangin' out Down the street The same old thing We did last week Not a thing to do But talk to you Not a thing to do Out in the street Oh yeah! Mom and Dad Live upstairs The musics loud So we don't care Wish we had A number so bad Oh yeah On the street lights Out past midnight We're all alright! We're all alright! Yeah! Oh! I'll steal a car And drive on down Pick you up And we'll drive around Not a thing to do But talk to you Not a thing to do Oh yeah On the street lights Out past midnight We're all alright! We're all alright! Yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Woo-o-o-o! Hello Wisconsin!