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.
Don't think twice
I still believe it John, we lived those nights
Like we were dyin' on the long haul drives
For our Maria, with the ragged sails high
And the radio on
And I always have remembered, in case you're wonderin'
84 takes a lifetime but Bobby does it better
I still sing 'em ragged for you and Maria
I don't drive nowhere without the radio on
And I'm still here singin', thinkin' 'bout the government
In my old man's shoes, and how you'd understand that
Are you hidin' in a basement mixin' up the medicine?
Every April Fools I say your name
I know your name
I still know your name
And I always have remembered, in case you're wonderin'
84 takes a lifetime but Bobby does it better
I still sing 'em ragged for you and Maria
I don't drive nowhere without the radio on
And on and on and on and on and on
And I always have remembered, in case you're wonderin'
84 takes a lifetime but Bobby does it better
I still sing 'em ragged for you and Maria
I don't drive nowhere without the radio on
We always loved the sad, sad songs
I still believe it John, we lived those nights
Like we were dyin' on the long haul drives
For our Maria, with the ragged sails high
And the radio on
And I always have remembered, in case you're wonderin'
84 takes a lifetime but Bobby does it better
I still sing 'em ragged for you and Maria
I don't drive nowhere without the radio on
And I'm still here singin', thinkin' 'bout the government
In my old man's shoes, and how you'd understand that
Are you hidin' in a basement mixin' up the medicine?
Every April Fools I say your name
I know your name
I still know your name
And I always have remembered, in case you're wonderin'
84 takes a lifetime but Bobby does it better
I still sing 'em ragged for you and Maria
I don't drive nowhere without the radio on
And on and on and on and on and on
And I always have remembered, in case you're wonderin'
84 takes a lifetime but Bobby does it better
I still sing 'em ragged for you and Maria
I don't drive nowhere without the radio on
We always loved the sad, sad songs
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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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1984 is when Springsteen released "bobby jean"
"In some bus or train traveling along In some motel room there'll be a radio playing And you'll hear me sing this song Well if you do you'll know I'm thinking of you and all the miles in between And I'm just calling one last time not to change your mind But just to say I miss you baby, good luck goodbye, Bobby Jean"
84 does it better, bobby does it better, dont'drive nowhere without the radio on.
Song about his first wife leaving, and reflecting on some of the more intimate moments (springsteen, bob dylan, and what became of the broken hearted) hoping she'll remeber
Gaslight use Springsteen references alot... along with pretty well any other band,
At least thats my take on it, not sure who'll agree.