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.
As sweet as a plum and lovely as dawn
Rolling its tongue over its gums
Like tiger and me as happy as could be
Sat out on the porch
As the whole of the sky
Clouds quietly over
And it starts to cry
Softly on my shoulder
We don't want to grow up
But we have to grow up
As sad as I am, I do understand
I do understand, it just makes me sad
My tiger my heart
We're growing apart
We're trying to be friends
But it's hard sometimes
To be friends with something that eats butterflies
And pencil sharpeners
And I think it would be happier being free
My tiger my friend
My little godsend
I know someday, we'll be happy again
Rolling its tongue over its gums
Like tiger and me as happy as could be
Sat out on the porch
As the whole of the sky
Clouds quietly over
And it starts to cry
Softly on my shoulder
We don't want to grow up
But we have to grow up
As sad as I am, I do understand
I do understand, it just makes me sad
My tiger my heart
We're growing apart
We're trying to be friends
But it's hard sometimes
To be friends with something that eats butterflies
And pencil sharpeners
And I think it would be happier being free
My tiger my friend
My little godsend
I know someday, we'll be happy again
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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.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
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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/
Head > Heels
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“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
Does this song remind anyone else of Calvin & Hobbes? WHen I listen to it, I just picture this is the sad business that takes place when Calvin grows up and he finally has to let go of his beloved imaginary friend.
If it isn't, it's still a very innocent and bitterweet song.
this song is so obviously calvin and hobbes song.
it's too close to be coincidence. eating butterflies and pencil sharpeners?! c'mon!
great song though!
SO CUTE.
the entire album is cute.
Everytime I hear "it's hard sometimes/ To be friends with something/ That eats butterflies," I can't help but laugh :)
Jof stated in an interview that he had no knowledge of Calvin and Hobbes at the time when he wrote My Tiger My Heart.
Nonetheless, that imagery will always stay with me.
I love this song. I think it's about the inevitable. Growing up, and growing apart. Loosing the glow of innocence that comes and goes with youth. The tiger could represent anything and everything that was once precious as a child, to me it sounds like a best friend that you just couldn't hang on too. In a way the tiger is childhood. (=
Yeah, I always thought the tiger represented childhood as well. This is one of my favourite songs, it's so sweet, touching and sad. The Boy Least Likely To capture childhood thoughts and feelings so beautifully.