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.
Her father's land grieves but it also forgives,
The red mud's ice might shine in the sage shrub's shadows.
I've asked around at the deer party round the bend,
And though a dog's bark and its echo set theit boundaries,
She's lived in some long shadows.
Now we live in long shadows.
I've dug under the floor boards and searched the barn
And the barbed wire in the brush at the fence's foot.
I'm trading all our holdings and the land
And every one of our wonderful nights in turns.
The slow bounce of the heat will still rent the open.
The kids will still fuck and fuck just to try to feel real.
But she'll never not be soft and sticky as grapefruit meat,
And now she's gotten as far as her kitty litter looks will get her.
Undone slow and elk nude in an afternoon bath,
I held close her worth and earn
And now she'll never be in debt to anyone
And we'll be woven together in earthworms.
We'll be woven together in earthworms.
We'll be woven together in earthworms.
The red mud's ice might shine in the sage shrub's shadows.
I've asked around at the deer party round the bend,
And though a dog's bark and its echo set theit boundaries,
She's lived in some long shadows.
Now we live in long shadows.
I've dug under the floor boards and searched the barn
And the barbed wire in the brush at the fence's foot.
I'm trading all our holdings and the land
And every one of our wonderful nights in turns.
The slow bounce of the heat will still rent the open.
The kids will still fuck and fuck just to try to feel real.
But she'll never not be soft and sticky as grapefruit meat,
And now she's gotten as far as her kitty litter looks will get her.
Undone slow and elk nude in an afternoon bath,
I held close her worth and earn
And now she'll never be in debt to anyone
And we'll be woven together in earthworms.
We'll be woven together in earthworms.
We'll be woven together in earthworms.
Lyrics submitted by lolofoshosho
Dead Together Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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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.
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
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/
Go ahead and try to beat the brilliance.
perfect
"The kids will still fuck and fuck just to try to feel real." That line is so painfully true and has alot to do with the time we live in. But my favorite line is the last line of the song. Good stuff.