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.
Someone else's boy, you've had it so hard
Will you grow up to be you
Or a sum of your parts just hanging in the air?
Someone else's boy, tell me your convoluted stories through half-rotten mouth
I will decipher them, to tell the world of your heart
How beautiful things can come from the dark
Oh, boy
Someone else's boy, I have seen your face
Light in the stars, it was then I knew
That your heart was pure, that it had not yet been destroyed
Oh, no
Someone else's boy, I have hope for you
That you will keep your love for the world
Even though it beats you down, every day
For the rest of your stay
If you could sweep up the pieces and watch them swirl
You could even find love in the arms of someone else's girl
Someone else's boy, though your life has been short
You've seen more pain than most of us know
If you make it through this, vacuum up the mess
Smile to yourself, lying on your nice new clean floor
Will you grow up to be you
Or a sum of your parts just hanging in the air?
Someone else's boy, tell me your convoluted stories through half-rotten mouth
I will decipher them, to tell the world of your heart
How beautiful things can come from the dark
Oh, boy
Someone else's boy, I have seen your face
Light in the stars, it was then I knew
That your heart was pure, that it had not yet been destroyed
Oh, no
Someone else's boy, I have hope for you
That you will keep your love for the world
Even though it beats you down, every day
For the rest of your stay
If you could sweep up the pieces and watch them swirl
You could even find love in the arms of someone else's girl
Someone else's boy, though your life has been short
You've seen more pain than most of us know
If you make it through this, vacuum up the mess
Smile to yourself, lying on your nice new clean floor
Lyrics submitted by rebeccaw
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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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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.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
oh wow i love this song. it's perfect for a boy i know.