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.
Locked in a kiss, outsiders cease to exist
We'll shut it out (of the fist)
Outsiders cease to exist
We'll shut it out
Eight o'clock, the lights are on at Shea
Phone turned down, we've nothing much to say
Dozing off the TV drones
House key makes them turn and glance for home
Locked in a kiss, outsiders cease to exist
Flayed of the fist
Outsiders cease to exist
We'll shut it out
We'll shut it out (of the fist)
Outsiders cease to exist
We'll shut it out
Eight o'clock, the lights are on at Shea
Phone turned down, we've nothing much to say
Dozing off the TV drones
House key makes them turn and glance for home
Locked in a kiss, outsiders cease to exist
Flayed of the fist
Outsiders cease to exist
We'll shut it out
Lyrics submitted by sean7711
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Given that the band are big baseball fans and since the chorus starts with a reference to the Mets, it seems likely that "house key" in the last line should be "Huskey", a reference to Butch Huskey
this was the first song I ever heard from YLT, the bass was just one of the most gripping things I've heard in a long time such a calm, mellow song, yet really catchy and bouncy I love these guys, they make some of the best music out there
Heh. The bass line is The Velvet Underground's "European Son" slowed down.
Your right, it IS that bassline, but it's still an awesome one. I love both songs, if you can call "European Son" much of a song.
YLT and TVU are simply amazing...
I don't know about you but I love when artists sample each other to make something completely new and inspiring.
Yeah, this song is just...mesmerizing. The whole album is great.
I really think "I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One" is one of the best albums ever. 10.0
This song is a gorgeous example of Yo La Tengo's ambient indie pop. I also think it's really romantic:
"Locked in a kiss, outsiders cease to exist"
keyboard in the middle is awesome too!
i think so, what makes this song perfect is the keyboard in the middle. such a great combination of bass and keyboard.
The first commenter is right. It's "Huskey makes the turn and heads for home", and I always thought it was "outside eyes cease to exist". I love love love this album and song -- perfect snapshots of the daily ups and downs of a relationship in the storytelling. Beautiful.