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.
Years went by and
We got older
Remember the days,
When gas was sold for 1.50 a gallon
Oh how things have changed,
Like those stylish fads
And the look on your face
When you see me for the first time in years
We swore we'd never end up here
Well I won't leave you alone, if its gone, I'll move on
It's time to leave, while my eyes are still dry
It's time to leave while my head is held high
Time to bolt, time to bail, time to go, where to?
Well I really don't know
I'm gone, so long, see you soon,
Up, up and away like a rising balloon
I'm just stupid enough to pack up and leave,
Taking all that you have trusted and confided it in me
Hug me now because you might lose your chance
I am crouched in my sprinting stance
Time to bolt, time to bail, time to go
'Cause I'll let you get way too close
I'm gone so long, see you soon
Up, up and away like a rising balloon
I'm just crazy enough to leave you behind,
Though you're nothing like I have found or will find
Years went by and
We got older
Remember the days,
When gas was sold for 1.50 a gallon
Oh how things have changed,
Like thoes stylish fads
And the look on your face
When you see me for the first time in years
We swore we'd never end up here
Well I won't be alone.
We got older
Remember the days,
When gas was sold for 1.50 a gallon
Oh how things have changed,
Like those stylish fads
And the look on your face
When you see me for the first time in years
We swore we'd never end up here
Well I won't leave you alone, if its gone, I'll move on
It's time to leave, while my eyes are still dry
It's time to leave while my head is held high
Time to bolt, time to bail, time to go, where to?
Well I really don't know
I'm gone, so long, see you soon,
Up, up and away like a rising balloon
I'm just stupid enough to pack up and leave,
Taking all that you have trusted and confided it in me
Hug me now because you might lose your chance
I am crouched in my sprinting stance
Time to bolt, time to bail, time to go
'Cause I'll let you get way too close
I'm gone so long, see you soon
Up, up and away like a rising balloon
I'm just crazy enough to leave you behind,
Though you're nothing like I have found or will find
Years went by and
We got older
Remember the days,
When gas was sold for 1.50 a gallon
Oh how things have changed,
Like thoes stylish fads
And the look on your face
When you see me for the first time in years
We swore we'd never end up here
Well I won't be alone.
Lyrics submitted by laurarenee
Balloons Lyrics as written by Jack William Bevan Edwin Thomas Congreave
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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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/
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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.
Beautiful song.