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.
'Twas Halloween and the ghosts were out
And everywhere they'd go, they'd shout
And though I covered my eyes, I knew
They'd go away
But fear's the only thing I saw
And three days later it was clear to all
That nothing is as scary as election day
But the day after is darker
And darker and darker it goes
Who knows, maybe the plans will change
Who knows, maybe he's not deranged
The newsmen know what they know, but they
Know even less than what they say
And I don't know who I can trust
For they come what may
'Cause we believed in our candidate
But even more it's the one we hate
I needed someone I could shake
On election day
But the day after is darker
And deeper and deeper we go
Who knows, maybe it's all a dream
Who knows if I'll wake up and scream
I love the things that you've given me
I cherish you, my dear country
But sometimes I don't understand
The way we play
I love the things that you've given me
And most of all that I am free
To have a song that I can sing
On election day
And everywhere they'd go, they'd shout
And though I covered my eyes, I knew
They'd go away
But fear's the only thing I saw
And three days later it was clear to all
That nothing is as scary as election day
But the day after is darker
And darker and darker it goes
Who knows, maybe the plans will change
Who knows, maybe he's not deranged
The newsmen know what they know, but they
Know even less than what they say
And I don't know who I can trust
For they come what may
'Cause we believed in our candidate
But even more it's the one we hate
I needed someone I could shake
On election day
But the day after is darker
And deeper and deeper we go
Who knows, maybe it's all a dream
Who knows if I'll wake up and scream
I love the things that you've given me
I cherish you, my dear country
But sometimes I don't understand
The way we play
I love the things that you've given me
And most of all that I am free
To have a song that I can sing
On election day
Lyrics submitted by spastic_kitty
My Dear Country Lyrics as written by Norah Jones
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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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.
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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,
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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/
I think she left very little question about the intention of her song. I'm guessing she wrote it about the end of Bush's first term, when hopes and fears were high, depending on how a person thought the election might turn out. Then, of course, Bush is elected back in. The media colouring world events with their own slant, the disappointment after election day, the disillusionment with the way the country voted, etc. I think this is a pretty thinly veiled dig at Bush.
pdaoust summarizes very well, IMHO. The right for Norah to express her displeasure is clear, in our free country. It's a beautiful thing. The attempt to quash dialog on the subject that Norah obviously felt compelled to write/sing about goes against that right, and is wrong ( :)). I suspect velocityJE is Left and not Right. velocity, would you care to disclose? Perhaps there are other artist's lyrics we can apply the Maladroit Test to...