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.
We're taking out the wine
We're taking out the wine
It's that kind of night
Well everybody talk, everybody listen
Nobody breathe
So take the time
Let him go down
'Cause daddy's on the run
Daddy's on the run
The trail has two eyes
One is just eternal
The other is infernal
To the tune
Easier said but less often done
Point me in the direction
Of your real emotional trash
Abstract city sun
Abstract city sun
Up to now is done
Never gonna stray
Never gonna stray
Never gonna stray
So take the time
To let him go down
'Cause daddy's on the run
Daddy's on the run
And who will get the first
Shoot the (?) first
Easier said but less often done
Point my in the right direction
Of your real emotional trash
I traipsed over the Mexican border
In cheap pair of ban ban
Lockets (?)
In my stomach
I needed some relief
Take me back to Frisco
In your vanity chest
With painted ladies on house arrest
So wax up the wax crew
It's time for a shine
It's the old crew
That makes wine
Appeasement
Appeasement
Appeasement
Appeasement
You got no reputation
Never took swing
Silent when they hand the spines out
In the (?) marina playing kissing game
No time for you to pout
Down in Sausalito
We had clams for dessert
You spill some Chardonnay
On your gypsy skirt
There's no more time for apricots
He's got to make his own shape
Appeasement
Appeasement
Appeasement
Appeasement
We're taking out the wine
It's that kind of night
Well everybody talk, everybody listen
Nobody breathe
So take the time
Let him go down
'Cause daddy's on the run
Daddy's on the run
The trail has two eyes
One is just eternal
The other is infernal
To the tune
Easier said but less often done
Point me in the direction
Of your real emotional trash
Abstract city sun
Abstract city sun
Up to now is done
Never gonna stray
Never gonna stray
Never gonna stray
So take the time
To let him go down
'Cause daddy's on the run
Daddy's on the run
And who will get the first
Shoot the (?) first
Easier said but less often done
Point my in the right direction
Of your real emotional trash
I traipsed over the Mexican border
In cheap pair of ban ban
Lockets (?)
In my stomach
I needed some relief
Take me back to Frisco
In your vanity chest
With painted ladies on house arrest
So wax up the wax crew
It's time for a shine
It's the old crew
That makes wine
Appeasement
Appeasement
Appeasement
Appeasement
You got no reputation
Never took swing
Silent when they hand the spines out
In the (?) marina playing kissing game
No time for you to pout
Down in Sausalito
We had clams for dessert
You spill some Chardonnay
On your gypsy skirt
There's no more time for apricots
He's got to make his own shape
Appeasement
Appeasement
Appeasement
Appeasement
Lyrics submitted by bS.O.S., edited by peacefrogx
Real Emotional Trash Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
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.
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”
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
One of the things Malkmus does really well is repeating lyrics in a way so that they can be interpreted as many things like in "Cut Your Hair" when he yells "career" over and over, or is it "Korea"... he does this in a way so that it doesn't matter; both work and both have meaning. I think he does this in Realy Emotional Trash. He may be saying "puh-lease me" and he may be saying "police me", probably saying a little of both, and really they both work and both make for equally satisfying interpretations (though I personally prefer police me).
@dollylectric You are right on. Now write on.... Ha. It's fun to listen to him play with words and see people discuss it.
I am so obsessed with this song. I have no idea what it’s about, but some of the lyrics really grab me, even though Malkmus doesn’t really fuss with lyrics anymore. I particularly love the “Chardonnay on your gypsy skirt” line. My girlfriend says that “point me in the direction of your Real Emotional Trash” is so her. She rocks! Incidentally, I met Malkmus and the rest of the Jicks in November. Nicest people ever!!! Especially Malkmus
Also, I think it’s “Puh-leeeease ,me! Puh-leeeease me!”
I'm sure he says puh-lease me.
Here's the proof youtube.com/watch
This is the title track and I think it signifies what the album is about and where Malkmus is at as an artist. The big thing, is that the lyrics here match the flavor of the music in a way I don't think I've ever seen before.
Musically, the first part is a stately, clean, mid-tempo, rootsy rock riff with a generous helping of keys. This syncs up with the lyrics which honestly describes grown-up relationships. People make compromises, even if they don't want to, and delve into some "real emotional trash" so that they can grow and experience love.
Then there's that proggy breakdown, wacked-out guitar parts and the beat slows to a standstill.
Then the slow crawl in momentum which just keeps building and building more tension (which is awesome).
And then the blistering drums kick in and you get the pure rock and roll release. The lyrics are just about fun stuff. Roadtripping, boozing, probably dancing (chardonnay spill), and then at the end (puhhleease me), everyone knows what that's about.
So, I think the song is about being a grown up but remembering to have fun.
I kind of wondered if this wasn't a reflection on what it's like living with 3 women (wife and two little girls). That's my current situation also and let me tell you, daddy's on the run, because there is a ton of Real Emotional Trash in my household :-)