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.
[Chorus]
All the girls are sitting on a pile of gold
All the girls—
And the boys you know they want—they want it
All the girls are sitting on a pile of gold
All the girls—
And the boys you know they want it, they want it
Boys we love you
Some of us don’t
But plenty of us do
You should treat us good
You do that and you know
We’re gunna-uh-uh huh
Share more of our goods with you
[chorus]
They want it. They want it
It’s economic
Beneath the warmth that we export
Of course some boys will try to push the prices down
By pushing girls around
I’ve seen some do this
Learned to see through this
They get scared
So scared maybe we’ll refuse to share with them
A gentle mass attack..... Exodus
Tell them
I know the truth that if you could
Learn to save enough to make some trade with me
[chorus]
Boys boys we love you
Some of us don’t
Plenty of us do
Treat us good
And you know we’re gunna
Share share share
Our goods with you
[chorus]
All the girls are sitting on a pile of gold
All the girls—
And the boys you know they want—they want it
All the girls are sitting on a pile of gold
All the girls—
And the boys you know they want it, they want it
Boys we love you
Some of us don’t
But plenty of us do
You should treat us good
You do that and you know
We’re gunna-uh-uh huh
Share more of our goods with you
[chorus]
They want it. They want it
It’s economic
Beneath the warmth that we export
Of course some boys will try to push the prices down
By pushing girls around
I’ve seen some do this
Learned to see through this
They get scared
So scared maybe we’ll refuse to share with them
A gentle mass attack..... Exodus
Tell them
I know the truth that if you could
Learn to save enough to make some trade with me
[chorus]
Boys boys we love you
Some of us don’t
Plenty of us do
Treat us good
And you know we’re gunna
Share share share
Our goods with you
[chorus]
Lyrics submitted by fancyashley
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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.
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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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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
My friend Dave says the pile of gold is vaginas. He whispered when he said this.
Your friend Dave sounds like a smart guy.
"Your milkshake is good for more than just bringing the boys to the yard," as The Stranger so eloquently puts it.
Sex is only part of the equation. The metaphorical pile of gold is also: brains, caring, companionship, security etc.
seems satirical more than metaphorical to me. about the mercantile aspects of heterosexual relationships.
I agree with hypernation... but I also believe that the pile of gold is a vagina. I mean... they are sitting on them.
i also see this song being about guys taking advantage of girls. maybe that's super obvious. also its about the way some guys take girls for granted, and use them for their "gold".
ohmygod, you got my favorite part of the lyrics wrong!
"want it, they want it. it's economic. they need the warmth that we export. of course, some boys will try to force the prices down by pushing girls around. i've seen some do this learned to see through this they get scared, so scared maybe we'll refuse to share with them all join some massive sapphic exodus but tell them, "i know that you're brave enough and you could learn to save enough to make some trade with me."
massive sapphic exodus is hands-down my favorite phrase used in lyrics ever.
This reminds me of that Greek play....I forgot what it's called. So obviously this comment loses credibility.
Anyways.
The women in it decide that in order to maintain power/control over their warrior husbands, they need to boycott sex. Then, obviously, their soulja boys will do whatever they want, whenever they want. And, in turn, they get laid. I think what the wives wanted was for the men to stop fighting so much....I can't really remember.
But yes!
Give it a modern day twist, and you have Pile of Gold.
Be nice and you get a treat. Be an asshole, you ain't gettin' nooooone.
you're talking about Lysistrata