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.
Released under watchful skies
Into a town I didn't recognize
I was a tourist with no story,
Lost in this purgatory
Escaped the smell of chalk and shame,
Pledged a classroom in my name
The PTA won't bless me
And the yearbook will assess me, yeah
I walked down these familiar streets,
Now filled with circus freaks
Your plans are as useful as baby's hand,
There's no planning in shadow, shadowland
Shadowland (multiple times)
I chase you round the chimney stacks,
The burnt earth pressed into our backs
It was so dark I just don't know what I kissed
And I couldn't even see what I missed
You walked me across freedom fields,
My shadow was a forcefield
I want to float upon my memories,
Not sink into the gloaming seas of shadowland
Shadowland (multiple times)
Weight loss, first frost, valium, sink fast
Life coach, guru, I turn and I find you
Into a town I didn't recognize
I was a tourist with no story,
Lost in this purgatory
Escaped the smell of chalk and shame,
Pledged a classroom in my name
The PTA won't bless me
And the yearbook will assess me, yeah
I walked down these familiar streets,
Now filled with circus freaks
Your plans are as useful as baby's hand,
There's no planning in shadow, shadowland
Shadowland (multiple times)
I chase you round the chimney stacks,
The burnt earth pressed into our backs
It was so dark I just don't know what I kissed
And I couldn't even see what I missed
You walked me across freedom fields,
My shadow was a forcefield
I want to float upon my memories,
Not sink into the gloaming seas of shadowland
Shadowland (multiple times)
Weight loss, first frost, valium, sink fast
Life coach, guru, I turn and I find you
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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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
For some reason, this song always reminded me of some sort of post-apocalyptic dream sequence. "Familiar streets, now blessed with circus freaks..." and dirty alleys and such. In any case, a fantastic song.