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.
Okay I'm boring you, I'm warning you tonight
Is not the night for fights, lies white or otherwise
My mood isn't better yet sober and humorless
If you can't handle this, roll off the mattress
I'm trying to let you know that your not just another
When you're under the covers, I'm under your thumb
And your the finest of specimens, leaving me breathless
Reeling and restless, putting me to the test
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Okay I'm lying when I'm telling you you're right
But you don't like the truth served straight or otherwise
And I'm an insomniac, tossing and turning
And getting repetitive swallow a sedative
I'm trying to let you know that your not just another
When you're under the covers, I'm under your thumb
And your the finest of specimens, leaving me breathless
Reeling and restless, putting me to the test
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Not another day, not another day
Not another day, not another day
Not another day, not another day
Okay I'm boring you, I'm warning you tonight
Is not the night for fights, lies white or otherwise
My mood isn't better yet sober and humorless
If you can't handle this, great, roll off the mattress
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another
Not another, not another day
Not another day, not another day
Not another day, [Incomprehensible]
Is not the night for fights, lies white or otherwise
My mood isn't better yet sober and humorless
If you can't handle this, roll off the mattress
I'm trying to let you know that your not just another
When you're under the covers, I'm under your thumb
And your the finest of specimens, leaving me breathless
Reeling and restless, putting me to the test
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Okay I'm lying when I'm telling you you're right
But you don't like the truth served straight or otherwise
And I'm an insomniac, tossing and turning
And getting repetitive swallow a sedative
I'm trying to let you know that your not just another
When you're under the covers, I'm under your thumb
And your the finest of specimens, leaving me breathless
Reeling and restless, putting me to the test
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Not another day, not another day
Not another day, not another day
Not another day, not another day
Okay I'm boring you, I'm warning you tonight
Is not the night for fights, lies white or otherwise
My mood isn't better yet sober and humorless
If you can't handle this, great, roll off the mattress
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another day
Turn the light off, leave me where I lay
Bring the night on, not another
Not another, not another day
Not another day, not another day
Not another day, [Incomprehensible]
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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,
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When I hear this song, I envision a couple fighting. She's picking a fight, and he's loves her dearly, but he's becoming tired trying to tell her that over and over. She's putting him "to the test," and he's trying to tell her that she's "not just another," but he's getting so sick of it. His mood "isnt better yet, sober and humorless," and he's just kindof given up. He's just saying "turn the light off, leave me where I lay" not wanting to go through another day of fighting.
I think he is arguing with a girl who doesn't wanna listen to their fact that their relationship is failing("but you don't like the truth served straight or otherwise.") so he saying too bad heres the truth ("Is not the night for fights, lies white or otherwise")and i still love you(I'm trying to let you know that your not just another"). and i agree with it sounding like "Tossing and turning that, is getting repetative, swallow a sedative."
Okay, I could be totally wrong, but here's what I think. I think it's about a couple who have a lot of problems, but it's about how at night, having sex, it really defines the relationship and how he feels about her. He's saying they argue during the day, "I'm warning you tonight is not the night for fights, lies white or otherwise. My mood isn't better yet, sober and humorless." This is all he feels like he's getting from being with her, but at the same time, "I'm trying to let you know, you're not just another," She's not like any other girl, "You're under the covers, I'm under your thumb." When they're together like that, she's the only one, and he can't say no to her. But she's argumentative and it's difficult, "Okay I'm lying when I'm telling you you're right, but you don't like the truth served straight or otherwise." So, he's just trying to tell her "You're the finest of specimens," but the truth is, it's a really messed up relationship with lots of arguing.
Okay, wow that was long. I'ma shut up now.
I completely agree with your interpretation. I wouldn't have said that the sex defines the relationship, but I think that's right, b/c that's the things he saying to appease her, telling her how great the sex is. <br /> What I don't get is why he's telling her to turn off the light and leave him alone, yet he's an insomniac and needs a sedative. IS she the one keeping him awake and making him be an insomniac?
this song is sexy
what does "under your thumb" mean?
Being under someone's thumb means that they have some kind of control or power over you.
The song is actually called "Bring the Night On"
i think its about this girl whos kinda flakey full of shit but he cant help being crazy about her
Yeah, it is called "Bring the Night On". How can we get the title changed on this page?
To me, it's about not wanting someone to leave you, and doing whatever it takes and taking whatever abuse just to get them to stay.