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.
When I got to the party
They gave me a forty
And I must've been thirsty
'Cause I drank it so quickly
When I got to the bedroom
There was somebody waiting
And it isn't my fault
That the barbarian raped me
When I went to get tested
I brought along my best friend
Melissa Mahoney
Who had once been molested
And she knew how to get there
She knew all the nurses
They were all really friendly
But the test came out positive
Uh-oh
I've seen better days but I don't care
I just sent a letter in the mail
When I got my abortion
I brought along my boyfriend
We got there an hour
Before the appointment
And outside the building
There were all these annoying
Fundamentalist Christians
We tried to ignore them
Oh-oh
I've had better days but I don't care
Oasis got my letter in the mail
When vacation was over
The word was all over
That I was a crack whore
Melissa had told them
And so now were not talking
Except we have tickets
To see blur in October
And I think were still going
Oh-oh
I've seen better days but I don't care
Oh I just got a letter in the mail
Oasis sent a photograph
Its autographed and everything
Melissa's gonna wet herself
I swear
They gave me a forty
And I must've been thirsty
'Cause I drank it so quickly
When I got to the bedroom
There was somebody waiting
And it isn't my fault
That the barbarian raped me
When I went to get tested
I brought along my best friend
Melissa Mahoney
Who had once been molested
And she knew how to get there
She knew all the nurses
They were all really friendly
But the test came out positive
Uh-oh
I've seen better days but I don't care
I just sent a letter in the mail
When I got my abortion
I brought along my boyfriend
We got there an hour
Before the appointment
And outside the building
There were all these annoying
Fundamentalist Christians
We tried to ignore them
Oh-oh
I've had better days but I don't care
Oasis got my letter in the mail
When vacation was over
The word was all over
That I was a crack whore
Melissa had told them
And so now were not talking
Except we have tickets
To see blur in October
And I think were still going
Oh-oh
I've seen better days but I don't care
Oh I just got a letter in the mail
Oasis sent a photograph
Its autographed and everything
Melissa's gonna wet herself
I swear
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Light Up The Sky
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
I don't think that it is slugging off trauma that makes the subject matter juvenille. Obviously the content centers around some youth trauma. But even as a 26 yr old who loves music, I really relate to the notion that after going through trauma, there are some passions (even if very small) that can make it all seem okay.
I remember when I found out that I was HIV positive. I laid around crying, thinking I was going to die. Then I got a Garbage CD single in the mail with a b-side called "Betcha." The song was so great that it caused me to snap out of my misery and realize life isn't so bad after all.
I completely feel you brother, also I LOVE Betcha (lol) I just wish they made more stuff like that.<br /> I've gone through some pretty shit as well and I let the little things get me high and through it ;-)<br /> <br /> <br /> This song is also pure brilliance by the way. I love her solo stuff.