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.
When the oceans are dark
The heavens are foreboding
A chain link wind
Is breaking you open
Lessons of the day
On a blackboard night
Seem to be erased
And the beacon has no light
The eyes of confusion
Looking for a stray
And everything they need
Keep the dogs at bay
There's no escape hatch
There's no submarine
That can take you to the moon
And rake you in the leaves
And keep you just as safe
As you are in my arms
And someday someday
Say bye-bye
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
You're smaller than a stone
Bigger than a road
Farther than an ocean
Closer than a soul
Every little word
And every little step
Every new direction
Closer you will get
And farther away
You go from where we are
And try to keep him with you
And hold him like a star
That has fallen frozen lake
To a heart to break
And push yourself beyond
All because of you
When you bring it down
All the false sides
When you make him yours
Don't forget he's yours
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
The heavens are foreboding
A chain link wind
Is breaking you open
Lessons of the day
On a blackboard night
Seem to be erased
And the beacon has no light
The eyes of confusion
Looking for a stray
And everything they need
Keep the dogs at bay
There's no escape hatch
There's no submarine
That can take you to the moon
And rake you in the leaves
And keep you just as safe
As you are in my arms
And someday someday
Say bye-bye
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
You're smaller than a stone
Bigger than a road
Farther than an ocean
Closer than a soul
Every little word
And every little step
Every new direction
Closer you will get
And farther away
You go from where we are
And try to keep him with you
And hold him like a star
That has fallen frozen lake
To a heart to break
And push yourself beyond
All because of you
When you bring it down
All the false sides
When you make him yours
Don't forget he's yours
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
Lyrics submitted by MrHahnKitty
New Round Lyrics as written by Hansen
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Dreamwalker
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.
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/
It's actually Beck's message to his son, or actually either of his children (he's expecting his second). Musically it's just like a lullaby, but the lyrics also point this out. For instance;
You're smaller than a stone Bigger than a road Farther than an ocean Closer than a soul Every little word And every little step Every new direction Closer you will get
The end seems like it could also be a message to his kid(s) as they get older:
When you bring it down All the false sides When you make him yours Don't forget he's yours
When you hear this song, know that it is always for you.