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.
Here's a story about a sinner
He used to be a winner who enjoyed a life of prominence and position
But the pressures at the office and the socialite engagements
And his selfish wife's fanatical ambition
It turned him to the booze
And he got mixed up with a floozy
And she led him to a life of indecision
The floozy made him spend his dough
And left him lying on Skid Row
A drunken lag in some Salvation Army Mission
It's such a shame
Oh, demon alcohol
Sad memories I can't recall
Who thought I would say
Damn it all
Blow it all
Oh demon alcohol
Memories I can't recall
Who thought I would fall a slave to demon alcohol
Barley wine, pink gin
He'll drink anything
Port, Pernod, or tequila
Rum, scotch, vodka on the rocks
As long as all the troubles disappear
He messed up his life when he beat up his wife
The floozy's gone and found another sucker
She'll turn him to the drink
She'll lead him to the brink
And when his money's gone she'll leave him in the gutter
It's such a shame
Oh demon alcohol
Sad memories I cannot recall
Who thought I would fall
A slave to demon alcohol.
He used to be a winner who enjoyed a life of prominence and position
But the pressures at the office and the socialite engagements
And his selfish wife's fanatical ambition
It turned him to the booze
And he got mixed up with a floozy
And she led him to a life of indecision
The floozy made him spend his dough
And left him lying on Skid Row
A drunken lag in some Salvation Army Mission
It's such a shame
Oh, demon alcohol
Sad memories I can't recall
Who thought I would say
Damn it all
Blow it all
Oh demon alcohol
Memories I can't recall
Who thought I would fall a slave to demon alcohol
Barley wine, pink gin
He'll drink anything
Port, Pernod, or tequila
Rum, scotch, vodka on the rocks
As long as all the troubles disappear
He messed up his life when he beat up his wife
The floozy's gone and found another sucker
She'll turn him to the drink
She'll lead him to the brink
And when his money's gone she'll leave him in the gutter
It's such a shame
Oh demon alcohol
Sad memories I cannot recall
Who thought I would fall
A slave to demon alcohol.
Lyrics submitted by Evad
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Hayalperest
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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@[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.
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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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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.
wow, i did not know this was a Kinks song...