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.
(right hand [to left hand])
and of all the feelings
It's the only choice that my senses make, it's like I could inject you, babe, aa-aa
And of all the faces, you're the only human I ever known
But ain't it good to be alone sometimes?
it's warmer than blood and stronger than bone, I scratch and I shake
CHORUS:
I'm Jonesing for Jones, streams on my pillow, whether I can sleep at last
I'm Jonesing for Jones, say goodbye to the past
Uh-oh
and in the blackest evening
A-just a taste of you and the heavens shine, light enough to daze the blind, aaaw
You've got the power to fix me when I'm sick and twisting from time I've known
But ain't it good to feel alone sometimes?
it's warmer than blood and stronger than bone, I scratch and I shake
CHORUS
To the past (x2)
oo-oo-oo oo-oo-ooo
I'm feeling warm and sated, a little dehydrated
But that's okay, a-'cause there's nothing in the way this time
it rains when I'm dry, it speaks when I'm alone, I can't leave it - I've tried
CHORUS
To the past (x6)
and of all the feelings
It's the only choice that my senses make, it's like I could inject you, babe, aa-aa
And of all the faces, you're the only human I ever known
But ain't it good to be alone sometimes?
it's warmer than blood and stronger than bone, I scratch and I shake
CHORUS:
I'm Jonesing for Jones, streams on my pillow, whether I can sleep at last
I'm Jonesing for Jones, say goodbye to the past
Uh-oh
and in the blackest evening
A-just a taste of you and the heavens shine, light enough to daze the blind, aaaw
You've got the power to fix me when I'm sick and twisting from time I've known
But ain't it good to feel alone sometimes?
it's warmer than blood and stronger than bone, I scratch and I shake
CHORUS
To the past (x2)
oo-oo-oo oo-oo-ooo
I'm feeling warm and sated, a little dehydrated
But that's okay, a-'cause there's nothing in the way this time
it rains when I'm dry, it speaks when I'm alone, I can't leave it - I've tried
CHORUS
To the past (x6)
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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.”
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Link between drug withdrawal and losing a love. 'Jonesing' is a US term for 'looking for' I think, and 'Jones' refers to both drugs or addiction, and was also the surname of Ginger's girlfriend, whom this song refers to!
'Jonesing' is a craving for drugs, particularly heroin. But yeah, you were right, it's comparing the loss of a partner to coming off drugs. Where did you find out about Ginger's girlfriend being called Jones?
I think I read it in one of the 'Ask Ginger' Q&A sessions that are on the Wildhearts website.