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.
Blue Imelda, She's the saddest bitch in all of Spectrum
She can't rely on business to keep herself satisfied
For we are only farmers, and the love of a farmer
Has one hand on the headboard and the other hand in the soil
Oh Lord, I'm yours forever, I will never take a lover
I'll keep myself as pious as my body will allow
For I am just a farmer, and the body of a farmer
Has one eye on the pussy and the other on the plough
I bow, I bend deeply
I'm sheepish and barely
Able to say it from beginning to the and
(Your shirt is torn to ribbons)
Woman, can I take you as a friend?
She can't rely on business to keep herself satisfied
For we are only farmers, and the love of a farmer
Has one hand on the headboard and the other hand in the soil
Oh Lord, I'm yours forever, I will never take a lover
I'll keep myself as pious as my body will allow
For I am just a farmer, and the body of a farmer
Has one eye on the pussy and the other on the plough
I bow, I bend deeply
I'm sheepish and barely
Able to say it from beginning to the and
(Your shirt is torn to ribbons)
Woman, can I take you as a friend?
Lyrics submitted by VivaLasVegas
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In my opinion it sounds like a gay man's love song to women. there's an element of repression and bravado when he says that a humble ("sheepish", "barely able to say it [sex?]") man's life is his job and sex ("plough" and "pussy"). He conjures up a lot of sexual images, like your average heterosexual man is accustomed to ("your shirt is torn to ribbons"), but at the end of the day he just keeps himself "pious" and chaste, and asks "Woman, can I take you as a friend?".<br /> <br /> Such a beautiful song though. He's obviously very passionate about this Imelda lady! And the steel drums sound brilliant with the Zac Condon's sweet brass melody.