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.
Though the ocean's deep and choppy
Let it be your guide
It'll take you to the one you love
Who's on the other side
If you meet a mountain goat
Let him be your guide
If he leads you far astray
Kill him and skin his hide
Going around the mountain glacier
To the other side
If you see the face of God
His laws you must abide
Though the boxcar's rough and smelly
It's a place to hide
If it takes you to L.A.
Take it all in stride
Since the prarie's flat and lonesome
There's no place to hide
If you see a lion, lie down
And pretend you died
When you reach the gates of Heaven
After you have died
Put on fast the blood of Jesus
He'll get you inside
Let it be your guide
It'll take you to the one you love
Who's on the other side
If you meet a mountain goat
Let him be your guide
If he leads you far astray
Kill him and skin his hide
Going around the mountain glacier
To the other side
If you see the face of God
His laws you must abide
Though the boxcar's rough and smelly
It's a place to hide
If it takes you to L.A.
Take it all in stride
Since the prarie's flat and lonesome
There's no place to hide
If you see a lion, lie down
And pretend you died
When you reach the gates of Heaven
After you have died
Put on fast the blood of Jesus
He'll get you inside
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
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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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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/
Head > Heels
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“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
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Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
The song has some really interesting meaning. I suppose on one level it's simply a cautionary song instructing people to trust some of the natural and spiritual guidelines that are inherent in the world. On another level, it seems to incourage docility and improvisation in one's life.