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.
The NS (Andrew Scott)
Free for all, so choose your places well,
But you won't believe all the things we're tellin' you.
End it all before the curtain falls,
Because all time will tell
Is that everything is a lie
I lost the fight, but won the war,
And no one really knows what it is we're fighting for.
You lost the fight, but won the war,
And no one really knows what it is we're fighting for.
But if you think that it's cold when you're swimming in the ocean,
It's hard to believe you're a Nova Scotian boy!
Have you considered the cost of abusing your devotion?
And if we get lost, we can find out
Where it was we used to be when time stood still for you
You or I could tell the story well,
But attention fell before the lights came on again
Without the sense of hearing,
My thoughts are disappearing
And all time will tell
Is that anyone can decide
I lost the fight, but won the war
And no one really knows what it is we're fighting for anyway,
You lost the fight, but won the war
And no one really knows what it is we're fighting for
But if you think that it's cold when you're swimming in the ocean
It's hard to believe you're a Nova Scotian boy!
Have you considered the cost of abusing your devotion?
And if we get lost we can find out
Where it was we used to be
We're following signs to the sea
So take your time, if you're leaving before me,
Say goodbye, say bye bye - bye bye!
Free for all, so choose your places well,
But you won't believe all the things we're tellin' you.
End it all before the curtain falls,
Because all time will tell
Is that everything is a lie
I lost the fight, but won the war,
And no one really knows what it is we're fighting for.
You lost the fight, but won the war,
And no one really knows what it is we're fighting for.
But if you think that it's cold when you're swimming in the ocean,
It's hard to believe you're a Nova Scotian boy!
Have you considered the cost of abusing your devotion?
And if we get lost, we can find out
Where it was we used to be when time stood still for you
You or I could tell the story well,
But attention fell before the lights came on again
Without the sense of hearing,
My thoughts are disappearing
And all time will tell
Is that anyone can decide
I lost the fight, but won the war
And no one really knows what it is we're fighting for anyway,
You lost the fight, but won the war
And no one really knows what it is we're fighting for
But if you think that it's cold when you're swimming in the ocean
It's hard to believe you're a Nova Scotian boy!
Have you considered the cost of abusing your devotion?
And if we get lost we can find out
Where it was we used to be
We're following signs to the sea
So take your time, if you're leaving before me,
Say goodbye, say bye bye - bye bye!
Lyrics submitted by dedgrotty
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
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
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.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
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/
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.