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.
You can care if you wanna
You can care if you don't
But c'mon it's a big big world now
You gotta get what you want
Got no lack of frustration
Got no lack of disease
But c'mon it's a big big world now
You gotta like what you see
And I do
Well you can ride, ride, ride on down to the aluminum park
Well you can ride, ride, ride on down with your head in the dark
Well, its a little bit important to me, you get a whole lot of what you need
So you can ride, ride, ride, on down to the aluminum park
Ride!
You can care if you don't
But c'mon it's a big big world now
You gotta get what you want
Got no lack of frustration
Got no lack of disease
But c'mon it's a big big world now
You gotta like what you see
And I do
Well you can ride, ride, ride on down to the aluminum park
Well you can ride, ride, ride on down with your head in the dark
Well, its a little bit important to me, you get a whole lot of what you need
So you can ride, ride, ride, on down to the aluminum park
Ride!
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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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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Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
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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.
to you, business executives
to you, business executives
should the second line read, "You WON'T care if you don't" ??
And thank you, I am a business exec and if I listened to this song every morning I'd probably, one day, just keep driving...South preferably.
I thought the same, but the album sleeve lyrics are the ones I posted. I also thought he says "Got no LIKELY disease," but again, the album sleeve is what I posted.
I dont think its limited to just business executives. I think the barrel is aimed at politicians and other big decision makers.
An aluminum park is slang for a junk yard. It sounds like James' is accompanying some nameless big wig down to a scrap yard to "get a whole lot of what (he) needs). Although there is no lack of problems (frustration, desease), this gentleman is going keep the blinders on (ride on down with your head in the dark) and take what he needs.
This is about as political as MMJ gets, which I certainly appreciate. Theres no shortage of clowns with a microphone and half baked ideas of how to fix the world.
"Got no lack of disease" sounds right.
It relates to drugs for me. One because supposedly junkies got their name from returning scrap metal for money. Two, because shooting cocaine makes everything sound metal
In case anyone is still stumped, I believe the song is a message to the listener. The aluminum park represents a place you may have played as child, and he's urging you now, as an adult, to get out in the world and play. Play your own game, make your own way, and enjoy it like you did when you were a kid.