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.
First place on a classroom wall
Every turn of the face can help to break
The fall from a domestic disgrace
Every rumor displaced is lost and found
A lack of discipline, one hand to cut the other
So unprofessional
You're not a friend, you're just a lover
Nothing exceptional, this is correctional
Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight
First day in a victim's chair
Every surface replaced can help to keep
You fair for a corrected gaze
Every feature displayed will match your crowd
A loss of innocence, one hand to wash the other
Be a perfectionist
You're nothing if you're just another
Something material, this isn't personal
Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight
We're all dancing to the same sad song
And we're not sleeping but it won't take long
Illicit conviction, confessions incomplete
Correction, submissive restriction
Instructions will repeat direction
Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight
Every turn of the face can help to break
The fall from a domestic disgrace
Every rumor displaced is lost and found
A lack of discipline, one hand to cut the other
So unprofessional
You're not a friend, you're just a lover
Nothing exceptional, this is correctional
Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight
First day in a victim's chair
Every surface replaced can help to keep
You fair for a corrected gaze
Every feature displayed will match your crowd
A loss of innocence, one hand to wash the other
Be a perfectionist
You're nothing if you're just another
Something material, this isn't personal
Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight
We're all dancing to the same sad song
And we're not sleeping but it won't take long
Illicit conviction, confessions incomplete
Correction, submissive restriction
Instructions will repeat direction
Mirror on the wall, frame the picture
Reflect this kiss to wish us all goodnight
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More Featured Meanings
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
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/
As far as the meaning goes, I think it's about someone who self harms. They're able to control their performance in school, but at home their life is a mess. Whatever they use to harm themselves is really meaningful to them, but they resent it to a certain extent (friend v. lover). The person is unhappy about being less than amazing and feels a lot of release when they harm themselves. The kiss is symbolic for an act of harm. The surfaces replaced indicate covering up the self harm so that anyone that would try to "help" is unaware of the evidence of injury. The person hasn't gone far enough to kill himself/herself, but they intend to (sleeps is symbolic for suicide).