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.
White on white
Light, sublime, subliminal
The void is clean
A cell but not for a criminal
Light and shade
Time and space
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
Draw a line
More is less is minimal
Form, earth, life
Decide something less decisional
Light and shade
Time and space
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
An empty box
An open space
A single thought
Leaves a trace
An empty room
An open space
A single thought
Leaves a trace
Light and shade
Time and space
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
Light, sublime, subliminal
The void is clean
A cell but not for a criminal
Light and shade
Time and space
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
Draw a line
More is less is minimal
Form, earth, life
Decide something less decisional
Light and shade
Time and space
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
An empty box
An open space
A single thought
Leaves a trace
An empty room
An open space
A single thought
Leaves a trace
Light and shade
Time and space
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
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Getting down to the essence of things.
I recall reading somewhere that this song was inspired in part by one of their impressions of friends who had gone all "minimal" in their homes and interior designs and style.
As I recall, it wasn't intended in a positive way. They found the "minimal" fad more insipid than inspired.
A very original song.
It does seem that "minimal" wasn't intended in a positive way, especially because it reflects on the way such people act ("Decide something less decisional").
But then it also has a good side to it ("A single thought Leaves a trace")...