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 said you want to be outside and you want to feel alive
I said I didn’t want to move I just wanted to survive
So I sit here waiting for the sun to come
And I watched it rise like we’d never done
I want to kill myself just to kill all the pain
But then you’d know you’d feel like you’re the one to blame
You were just too young and just too smart
Probably the best candidate for a broken heart
Rock and roll my little girl
Rock and roll in your big big world
Rock and roll my little girl
Rock and roll in your big big world
In a drunken state I call your name
From the bottom of my soul to the blood in my veins
Those days in the car when I couldn’t pull through
You sang to me and all I wanted was you
I cant seem to do anything right anymore
How the days are so long and the nights are a blur
I want you to know that I’ll always be the only one there
While you listen to his heartbeat
While he runs his hands through your hair
Rock and roll my little girl
Rock and roll in your big big world
Each day he works past the 9 to 5
Tell me tell me how does he know if you’re even still alive
You made a portrait of myself and it made me cry
And through all the tears I lost I looked myself in the eye
What kind of man have I become that I have to let this go
Fate has made a fool of me I’ll reap now what I sow
We were just two people alike indignity
Felt the ancient grudge to the mutiny of me
And I guess this is where we’ll end our scene
Where my civil blood leaves my seething hands unclean
Rock and roll my little girl
Rock and roll in your big big world
I said I didn’t want to move I just wanted to survive
So I sit here waiting for the sun to come
And I watched it rise like we’d never done
I want to kill myself just to kill all the pain
But then you’d know you’d feel like you’re the one to blame
You were just too young and just too smart
Probably the best candidate for a broken heart
Rock and roll my little girl
Rock and roll in your big big world
Rock and roll my little girl
Rock and roll in your big big world
In a drunken state I call your name
From the bottom of my soul to the blood in my veins
Those days in the car when I couldn’t pull through
You sang to me and all I wanted was you
I cant seem to do anything right anymore
How the days are so long and the nights are a blur
I want you to know that I’ll always be the only one there
While you listen to his heartbeat
While he runs his hands through your hair
Rock and roll my little girl
Rock and roll in your big big world
Each day he works past the 9 to 5
Tell me tell me how does he know if you’re even still alive
You made a portrait of myself and it made me cry
And through all the tears I lost I looked myself in the eye
What kind of man have I become that I have to let this go
Fate has made a fool of me I’ll reap now what I sow
We were just two people alike indignity
Felt the ancient grudge to the mutiny of me
And I guess this is where we’ll end our scene
Where my civil blood leaves my seething hands unclean
Rock and roll my little girl
Rock and roll in your big big world
Lyrics submitted by pinksugarelephants
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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.
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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.
I Can't Go To Sleep
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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I love how he includes the Romeo & Juliet sonnet. Looove it.
Robert Francis is my best musical discovery since Bon Iver a couple of years ago. Lyrically and vocally this guy is up there with the very best. Theres so much hurt, regret and resignation in this one song and with his voice he carries it of superbly.
Definitely feeling the Romeo and Juliet connection here. I love how he includes the sonnet, like madlyinaction said. I feel like this whole song is a connection to Romeo and Juliet. It's like Romeo singing to her. I love this song so much. I love the emotion is his voice. I can cry to this song, sing to it, dance to it, do anything to it. LOVE IT.
To me, this song always sounded a lot like "Dangling Conversation" by Simon & Garfunkel.