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.
These premonitions shine like stars that
Fall to earth too fast
I see the empty glass
Where do we belong
Tell me major tom
Because nothing's making sense
I listen and lament
For golden years that pass like thunder
And soldier on through time
This empty glass is mine
Where do we belong
Could you help us major tom
Because nothing's making sense
I listen and lament
A starman will come
When diamond dogs run
We need ground control
We're losing our souls
A starman will come
When diamond dogs run
We need ground control
We're losing our souls
We're losing our souls
We're losing our souls
We're losing our souls
Fall to earth too fast
I see the empty glass
Where do we belong
Tell me major tom
Because nothing's making sense
I listen and lament
For golden years that pass like thunder
And soldier on through time
This empty glass is mine
Where do we belong
Could you help us major tom
Because nothing's making sense
I listen and lament
A starman will come
When diamond dogs run
We need ground control
We're losing our souls
A starman will come
When diamond dogs run
We need ground control
We're losing our souls
We're losing our souls
We're losing our souls
We're losing our souls
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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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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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.
Ummmm come on obvious Bowie tribute here?!
Yeah, that shines out like a beacon. Good song though.
Definitely a big Bowie tribute, but considering they frequently play Bowie songs, it's not a big surprise. Awesome song, too!