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 only take heat when you need to
You only take heat (E) when you need to
And you need to
Come let me brief you
And let you see where greed leads to
And you need to
Inspire the love inside your people
Our people, equal
[For teens oh] knows people, no [spyads]
No more hellfires and please no more gunfire
Dance 4 Life (4x)
Quench we [meable] in thirst
Put them first
And when the floodgates burst
Come inside and we'll keep you strong
We protect the children of this new dawn
We're properly skilled and we fear no storm
And what we're building will persevere long
After the wicked ‘em disappear
Justice, dues and rights gone clear
And the and the youth we have will start this year
And the youth we have will start this year
Dance 4 Life (12x)
H.I.V. aids is lethal
You only take heat (E) when you need to
And you need to
Come let me brief you
And let you see where greed leads to
And you need to
Inspire the love inside your people
Our people, equal
[For teens oh] knows people, no [spyads]
No more hellfires and please no more gunfire
Dance 4 Life (4x)
Quench we [meable] in thirst
Put them first
And when the floodgates burst
Come inside and we'll keep you strong
We protect the children of this new dawn
We're properly skilled and we fear no storm
And what we're building will persevere long
After the wicked ‘em disappear
Justice, dues and rights gone clear
And the and the youth we have will start this year
And the youth we have will start this year
Dance 4 Life (12x)
H.I.V. aids is lethal
Lyrics submitted by jambomdaman
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Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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,
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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
does dance 4 life mean: 1)dance to live? 2)dance in celebration of life? or 3)dance the entire duration of life?
@Lysergy This song was made for the Dance4life international youth initiative to raise awareness and promote prevention of HIV/AIDS.