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.
I need a lover that won't drive me crazy
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
I need a lover that won't drive me crazy
Some girl that knows the meaning of, ah-
Hey hit the highway!
Well I've been walking the streets in the evenin'
Racin' through the human jungle at night
I'm so confused, my mind is indifferent
Hey - I'm so weak, won't somebody shut off that light?
Electricity runs through the video
And I watch it from this hole I call home
And all them stonies are dancin' to the radio
And I got the world callin' me up free tonight on the phone
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl who'll thrill me and then go away
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl that knows the meaning of ah-
Hey hit the highway!
Well I'm not wiped out by this poolroom life I'm livin'
I'm gonna quit this job, and go to school, and head back home
(head back home)
Now I'm not asking to be loved or be forgiven
Hey - I just can't face shakin' in this bedroom
One more night alone
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl that knows the meaning of ah-
Hey hit the highway!
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl to thrill me and then go away
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl that knows the meaning of ah-
Hey hit the highway!
You betcha'
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
I need a lover that won't drive me crazy
Some girl that knows the meaning of, ah-
Hey hit the highway!
Well I've been walking the streets in the evenin'
Racin' through the human jungle at night
I'm so confused, my mind is indifferent
Hey - I'm so weak, won't somebody shut off that light?
Electricity runs through the video
And I watch it from this hole I call home
And all them stonies are dancin' to the radio
And I got the world callin' me up free tonight on the phone
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl who'll thrill me and then go away
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl that knows the meaning of ah-
Hey hit the highway!
Well I'm not wiped out by this poolroom life I'm livin'
I'm gonna quit this job, and go to school, and head back home
(head back home)
Now I'm not asking to be loved or be forgiven
Hey - I just can't face shakin' in this bedroom
One more night alone
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl that knows the meaning of ah-
Hey hit the highway!
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl to thrill me and then go away
(I need a lover that won't drive me crazy)
Some girl that knows the meaning of ah-
Hey hit the highway!
You betcha'
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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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
In Yr 11 I went out with this chick who went beserk when we broke up & succeeded in losing me most of my friends. What friends I did have left used to joke that this song was about me - I need a lover who won't drive me crazy.
The term "stonies" in the song is a term used in the Bloomington, Indiana area (where John Mellencamp is from and continues to reside) to refer to "local people" (as opposed to the college students of Indiana University in Bloomington). "Stonies" is short for "stone cutters", local workers who mine the limestone quarries. Sometimes they are also called "cutters".
@Dunestrider like in Breaking Away, right? Only they're called "Cutters" in that, I'm guessing both nicknames were used, one being affectionate (Stonies), one pejorative (Cutters)...love this song, the intro, of course, but always loved the lyric.
The musical intro is worth a listen by itself. Fantastic drum work anchors the all around tight musicianship during the two minute instrumental buildup.
The lyrics are simple, to the point and certainly inspired by a bad relationship. One of the greatest "kiss-off" songs of all time in my opinion. Nothing profound here, and perhaps a bit harsh in tone, but this song is musically inspired and thematically aggressive enough to demand repeat listens and a place in classic rock history.
Message is pretty clear on this one. Just a good guy looking for a good girl
@Dunestrider: That's something I would have never known had you not commented. I just made the obvious and less intelligent assumption he was referring to stoned people. Seriously, I love this site for this reason alone, all the random people who comment and expand knowledge about a song by explaining one simple word with some kind of local flavor to it. Makes me appreciate the simple yet solid songwriting in this one even more.
@lairfans12 Thanks! The only reason I know this myself (that "stonies" mean non-college locals) is because I used to live down there in the 70s (when this song was released). There are not that many limestone quarries in operation anymore, so I don't know if the locals are still referred to that way at the present time.