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
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
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”
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
It's about being bullied.. It's a personal thing. I think it's actually about the members being bullied in school. "Goodnight" "we're not sleeping but it won't take long" fit with each other. If it continues maybe they'll be in a sleep forever. But you manage to make it out. But I believe it's about the actually members.
Just what I believe.. I'm obsessed with this band. All the music reaches out to me.. Well most if the newer music. I love all the songs though. Not one song I haven't heard. Great!