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.
You're easily amused by what you use
By what you use on the outside
But it's what shines like silver and gold
Silver and gold on the inside
It's a recipe, what it is to be
What it is to be on the inside
The skin outside is taking you for a ride
Taking you for a ride on the inside
And though they're easily to blame
And I'm just listening in on the inside
And when you're old tell me what they'll say
Tell me what they'll say on the inside
So be still, you will find out
From living down on the inside
I'm easily amused by what you use
By what you use for the outside
And it's silver and gold and diamonds
I suppose on the inside
You're silver and gold and diamonds
I suppose shining from the inside
So I'm sorry just the same
Sorry just the same from the inside
It's taken me long to realize this song
Realize it happens on the inside, oh
By what you use on the outside
But it's what shines like silver and gold
Silver and gold on the inside
It's a recipe, what it is to be
What it is to be on the inside
The skin outside is taking you for a ride
Taking you for a ride on the inside
And though they're easily to blame
And I'm just listening in on the inside
And when you're old tell me what they'll say
Tell me what they'll say on the inside
So be still, you will find out
From living down on the inside
I'm easily amused by what you use
By what you use for the outside
And it's silver and gold and diamonds
I suppose on the inside
You're silver and gold and diamonds
I suppose shining from the inside
So I'm sorry just the same
Sorry just the same from the inside
It's taken me long to realize this song
Realize it happens on the inside, oh
Lyrics submitted by bazketkaze
Shiny on the Inside Lyrics as written by Samuel Ronald Dixon Leona Naess
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Gentle Hour
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/
1.) "You're easily amused by what you use By what you use on the outside But it's what shines like silver and gold Silver and gold on the inside" This man is obviously consumed by any sorts of physical attraction based by appearances. Most people get carried away by beauty; because something or someone is so beautiful that they make up deeper meanings that completely don't make sense and mean absolutely nothing to them and so become attached. Silver, gold, and diamonds are one of the most valued pieces around the world surrounded by the Earth ("dirt") or in a deeper since "experiences". These influences and experiences make up the most valuable piece within. 2.) "It's a recipe, what it is to be What it is to be on the inside.The skin outside is taking you for a ride Taking you for a ride on the inside" We are all recipes of experiences and expectations. Just like a mixing batter with a spoon, she is taking him for a ride and that hopefully the more she gives him the mixture of this physically emotional ride the more he'll want her and be another ingredient to her life. 3.) "And though they're easily to blame And I'm just listening in on the inside And when you're old tell me what they'll say Tell me what they'll say on the inside" She is confused on whether her heart or her mind is telling her to stay with him and to sacrifice to either degrade herself for love or move on and not have him at all. Blatantly she is somewhat confused on what "love" really is. He is blaming her for being so attached to him because all he sees in her is a sex partner but she is seeing something else. So then she basically tells him that someday when he is in her state "What are you going to feel; what is it that you will do about it? And when you find THAT answer, tell me what it is." Basically she is telling him to grow up. 4.) "So be still, you will find out From living down on the inside I'm easily amused by what you use By what you use for the outside" This one is quite confusing. After her questioning him i believe that she is seducing him once more because she can't help herself from him. She is so used to having sex with him than actually talking things out or what you call "make-up sex". BUT it could also mean that she is telling him to just sit there for a minute and think about what she just asked him. 5.) "You're silver and gold and diamonds I suppose shining from the inside So I'm sorry just the same Sorry just the same from the inside" Tying into #1 and #4, I'm going to guess in this line she's starting to think like him and just say that "well I guess you're valuable" because she emotionally can't get rid of him so she apologizes and carries on having sex with him as usual. 6.) "It's taken me long to realize this song Realize it happens on the inside" Sometimes when you say things out loud they sound less romanticized than in your head. After listening to herself saying this over and over again she finally realizes that she deserves better and to not turn into him.
I hope this helps. I think this song is very touching and unique. Please feel free to add comments. I would like to hear feedback. Thank you.