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.
Listen to me, listen to me
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
I am not a machine so don't treat me like buttons
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
We're not identical twins so don't finish my sentence
Tell me the truth, or don't tell me anything
I'd rather have a heart than courage or a brain
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
Don't pay any mind to a voice behind curtains
If you meet the devil's wife
Make sure you wear a suit and tie
And leave him where he stands
If he tries to shake your hand
Just hit him with her frying pan
And leave him where he stands
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(Run Rikki Tikki, run Rikki Tikki, run...)
Listen to me, listen to me
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
If you want the Picasso you better start digging
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
If I build the ark, will you wait for the water?
The only thing that ever turned him blue
Was thinking the sky is what he should be turning to
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
There are snakes in the grass, so we better go hunting
If you meet the devil's wife
Make sure you wear a suit and tie
And leave him where he stands
If he tries to shake your hand
Just hit him with her frying pan
And leave him where he stands
Let her take the kitchen sink
And cut her from her apron strings
Just leave him where he stands
All you need is amnesty
So grab my hand and come with me
Just leave him where he stands
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Rikki...
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
I am not a machine so don't treat me like buttons
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
We're not identical twins so don't finish my sentence
Tell me the truth, or don't tell me anything
I'd rather have a heart than courage or a brain
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
Don't pay any mind to a voice behind curtains
If you meet the devil's wife
Make sure you wear a suit and tie
And leave him where he stands
If he tries to shake your hand
Just hit him with her frying pan
And leave him where he stands
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(Run Rikki Tikki, run Rikki Tikki, run...)
Listen to me, listen to me
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
If you want the Picasso you better start digging
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
If I build the ark, will you wait for the water?
The only thing that ever turned him blue
Was thinking the sky is what he should be turning to
Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki, Rikki Tikki Tavi
There are snakes in the grass, so we better go hunting
If you meet the devil's wife
Make sure you wear a suit and tie
And leave him where he stands
If he tries to shake your hand
Just hit him with her frying pan
And leave him where he stands
Let her take the kitchen sink
And cut her from her apron strings
Just leave him where he stands
All you need is amnesty
So grab my hand and come with me
Just leave him where he stands
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Rikki...
Lyrics submitted by christsizeshoes
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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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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
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,
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
I hadn't listened to Fair to Midland in quite some time, but this song reminded me how awesome they are. It's always a great feeling to rediscover a group and realize you may have under appreciated them. That's a sign of true greatness.
The song reminds me of the Beatles, which is odd because I've never liked the Beatles (Sorry, I respect them, but don't identify with the majority of their songs or sound; Elanor Rigby and Come Together being the only exceptions).
To me this song is about remaining moral and opposing the immoral. There are 'snakes' or 'devils' throughout the world who will tempt you, but staying true to yourself and your beliefs and standing up for them is far more powerful. The ebb and flow of the song is awesome, and the Wizard of Oz references are some of my favorite lines.