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.
When all is said and done, we're not the only ones
Who look at life this way, that's what the old folks say
But every time I'd see them makes me wish I had a gun
If I thought that I was crazy, well, I guess I'd have more fun
Guess I'd have more fun
Ooh, the Catcher in the Rye again
Ooh, won't let you get away from him
It's just another day like today
You decide 'cause I don't have to
And then they'll find and I won't ask you
At any time or long hereafter
If the cold outside's as I'm imagining
It to be, oh, oh
And na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Ah, na-na-na
Ah-ah-ah
Ooh, the Catcher in the Rye again
Ooh, won't let you get away from him
It's just another day like today
When all is said and done, we're not the only ones
Who look at life this way, that's what the young folks say
As if they'd ever change as that were mine to say
But every time I'd see them makes me wish I had a gun
If I thought that I was crazy, well, I guess I'd have more fun
'Cause what used to be's not there for me
And ought to for someone that belonged
Insane, like I do
And na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na
And na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na
On an ordinary day, not in an ordinary way
All at once, the song I heard, no longer would it play
For anybody or anyone
That needed comfort from somebody
Needed comfort from someone
Who cared to be not like you and unlike me
And then the voices went away from me
Somehow, you set the wheels in motion, now haunts our memories
You were the instrument, you were the one
How a body, took a body, you gave that boy a gun
Took our innocence beyond our stares
Sometimes, the only thing we counted on when no one else was there
Ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah
Ah-na, na-na, na-na
Who look at life this way, that's what the old folks say
But every time I'd see them makes me wish I had a gun
If I thought that I was crazy, well, I guess I'd have more fun
Guess I'd have more fun
Ooh, the Catcher in the Rye again
Ooh, won't let you get away from him
It's just another day like today
You decide 'cause I don't have to
And then they'll find and I won't ask you
At any time or long hereafter
If the cold outside's as I'm imagining
It to be, oh, oh
And na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Ah, na-na-na
Ah-ah-ah
Ooh, the Catcher in the Rye again
Ooh, won't let you get away from him
It's just another day like today
When all is said and done, we're not the only ones
Who look at life this way, that's what the young folks say
As if they'd ever change as that were mine to say
But every time I'd see them makes me wish I had a gun
If I thought that I was crazy, well, I guess I'd have more fun
'Cause what used to be's not there for me
And ought to for someone that belonged
Insane, like I do
And na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na
And na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na
On an ordinary day, not in an ordinary way
All at once, the song I heard, no longer would it play
For anybody or anyone
That needed comfort from somebody
Needed comfort from someone
Who cared to be not like you and unlike me
And then the voices went away from me
Somehow, you set the wheels in motion, now haunts our memories
You were the instrument, you were the one
How a body, took a body, you gave that boy a gun
Took our innocence beyond our stares
Sometimes, the only thing we counted on when no one else was there
Ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah
Ah-na, na-na, na-na
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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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,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
This song is apparently about Mark Chapman and the murder of John Lennon.
Brian May plays lead guitar.
nah brian may's part was taken out in post production.