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.
Some names have been changed
To protect identities
Of the innocent
So just sit back and pretend that this one is
About some other friend, about some other friend
So you and me sat down at some diner in midtown
And you could hear the conversation from the table over
Talking seeds and soil, trucks and lawnmowers
And it's easier in night time
When you had too much whiskey, maybe too much wine
And you wake up in the morning and you have to look at him
So you stare at your spoon, your upside down reflection
oh yeah, oh yeah
April 5th, that blasted day when you turned your head around
Like the girl on the plane here
Like Freddy said in the poem read
So why'd you have to get up and put your coat on?
Yeah, why'd you have to get up and put your coat on?
Yeah, why'd you have to give up and put your coat on?
Yeah, why'd you have to get up and put your coat on?
To protect identities
Of the innocent
So just sit back and pretend that this one is
About some other friend, about some other friend
So you and me sat down at some diner in midtown
And you could hear the conversation from the table over
Talking seeds and soil, trucks and lawnmowers
And it's easier in night time
When you had too much whiskey, maybe too much wine
And you wake up in the morning and you have to look at him
So you stare at your spoon, your upside down reflection
oh yeah, oh yeah
April 5th, that blasted day when you turned your head around
Like the girl on the plane here
Like Freddy said in the poem read
So why'd you have to get up and put your coat on?
Yeah, why'd you have to get up and put your coat on?
Yeah, why'd you have to give up and put your coat on?
Yeah, why'd you have to get up and put your coat on?
Lyrics submitted by another_innocent_grl
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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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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but in terms of what its actually about, i always thought it was that in todays world its so hard to communicate, and we've become desensitized by everything that its hard to even keep up a conversation, which is why they talk about seeds and soil, trucks and lawnmowers, all random and irrelevent topics. Its sad, but sometimes it really does take the help of something like alcohol to get people to say whats on their mind, or how they really feel. its the only way that we can communicate with one another and tell the truth. i can totally relate and i think its simple and eloquent.