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.
Pull out your pass and drive.
Unmarried spieltiers don't have eyes. We put them under root.
We threw them on the basic soil, and the rocks they're going to make...
our quarterbacks can't move those chains. GO SEAHAWKS.
Our quarterbacks can't move those chains. Go brains.
Ten stoplights burning out.
Ten stoplights sending shrapnel down in a cloud of mercury.
All halogens fall on the street
and make a mess our dogs play in
and give strength to children years from now.
It makes them iron on their claws
that they will come to know about. Go langoliers...
that they will come to know about. Go mind. Go ears.
And they will become pinlighters and smash our space,
and they will become pinlighters and know.
While I attend FAMU,
I'm wondering why I'm not you,
and why that light wasn't blue,
and why there's no such thing as blue stoplights,
and I'm honoring your food
and wandering to pass the time. GO PANTHERS.
Young gladiators without guns: GO LIONS.
On solar stadiums in the sun: GO JAGUARS,
give strength, go-captain.
Make sure that you win.
Unmarried spieltiers don't have eyes. We put them under root.
We threw them on the basic soil, and the rocks they're going to make...
our quarterbacks can't move those chains. GO SEAHAWKS.
Our quarterbacks can't move those chains. Go brains.
Ten stoplights burning out.
Ten stoplights sending shrapnel down in a cloud of mercury.
All halogens fall on the street
and make a mess our dogs play in
and give strength to children years from now.
It makes them iron on their claws
that they will come to know about. Go langoliers...
that they will come to know about. Go mind. Go ears.
And they will become pinlighters and smash our space,
and they will become pinlighters and know.
While I attend FAMU,
I'm wondering why I'm not you,
and why that light wasn't blue,
and why there's no such thing as blue stoplights,
and I'm honoring your food
and wandering to pass the time. GO PANTHERS.
Young gladiators without guns: GO LIONS.
On solar stadiums in the sun: GO JAGUARS,
give strength, go-captain.
Make sure that you win.
Lyrics submitted by atsplat
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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.
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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,
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/
no way to tell, but it sounds sad to me. possibly biased opinion. duh. still, it's very pretty. no?