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.
They said the timing was dreadful
(Yeah, you could say that again)
Now there is one pair of heads full
(Of thoughts that don't make any sense)
Just passing through, trying to catch that glimpse of you
I never hold on when I change
Terminals at ATL
It's a balance of grace
In a place where I tripped and fell
But if grace receives all my waste
Then it becomes a crutch
And I don't wanna walk with a crutch so much
That I can't stand taller than before
It's splintered, and I felt horrendous
(Lying through the gap in my teeth)
When broken, is when You can mend us
(So help me get back up on my feet)
Just passing through, trying to catch that glimpse of you
I never hold on when I change
Terminals at ATL
It's a balance of grace
In a place where I tripped and fell
But if grace receives all my waste
Then it becomes a crutch
And I don't wanna walk with a crutch so much
That I can't stand taller than before
Lie, I'm staring longer than I know I should be
I can't believe you're standing next to me
I never hold on when I change
Terminals at ATL
It's a balance of grace
In a place where I tripped and fell
But if grace receives all my waste
Then it becomes a crutch
And I don't wanna walk with a crutch so much
That I can't stand taller than before
I will stand taller than before
I will stand taller than before
Taller than before
(Yeah, you could say that again)
Now there is one pair of heads full
(Of thoughts that don't make any sense)
Just passing through, trying to catch that glimpse of you
I never hold on when I change
Terminals at ATL
It's a balance of grace
In a place where I tripped and fell
But if grace receives all my waste
Then it becomes a crutch
And I don't wanna walk with a crutch so much
That I can't stand taller than before
It's splintered, and I felt horrendous
(Lying through the gap in my teeth)
When broken, is when You can mend us
(So help me get back up on my feet)
Just passing through, trying to catch that glimpse of you
I never hold on when I change
Terminals at ATL
It's a balance of grace
In a place where I tripped and fell
But if grace receives all my waste
Then it becomes a crutch
And I don't wanna walk with a crutch so much
That I can't stand taller than before
Lie, I'm staring longer than I know I should be
I can't believe you're standing next to me
I never hold on when I change
Terminals at ATL
It's a balance of grace
In a place where I tripped and fell
But if grace receives all my waste
Then it becomes a crutch
And I don't wanna walk with a crutch so much
That I can't stand taller than before
I will stand taller than before
I will stand taller than before
Taller than before
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Bee Gees
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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.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
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Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
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/
His ex-fiance used to be a radio host in Atlanta. Sounds like after the breakup... just passing through Atlanta, maybe hoping to see her. Also, the Atlanta airport is one of the largest in the world. There are a bunch of terminals and you can either take a tram to your terminal or walk through. No one ever walks through, but if you do there is a bunch of sculptures and art to look at as you walk. If you walk the entire way it's like 2-3 miles I think. So I think this song is referencing walking through the empty terminals, contemplating everything about the breakup and not being able to get over his ex-fiance. Pretty sad song.
As far as the meaning... he realizes he messed up, and saying he has to accept grace to get over his mistake. But he doesn't want to keep having to fall back on grace, he wants to become a better person.
One of my favorites on the new CD.
I like how this song, as the ending track on the album, ties in with the beginning track, Forget And Not Slow Down with the Atlanta Airport reference. Like at the beginning of Forget and Not Slow Down there is the recording of the Atlanta Airport tram (the Concourse B as in Bravo bit) and then in Terminals the whole song is in reference to the same airport. It's like the lyrics are opening up the issue at the start of the album and then trying to close the same issue off at the end of the album. Or something.
Interesting song :)
It may or may not be obvious for NA residents. But, What does ATL stand for ?
an airport in Atlanta?<br /> .. or all time low. haha.<br />
I think it's supposed to be, "but if grace receives all my weight," not "waste." :)
I love the sound of this song (with Adam Young of Owl City). And yes, it is "all my weight," not waste.
Thanks for the correction, i've fixed it up : )
It's...
"I never hold on when I change Terminals at ATL"
It's in reference to the tramcars between terminals of the ATL airport. Sort of like subway cars, they are very difficult to stand with balance as they move, and if you don't hold on to any of the handles, you could fall flat on your face.
"It's a balance of grace In a place where I tripped and fell"
It fits with what SwimAndy013 referred to, and I agree with them on the entire meaning. The place he "tripped and fell" would be Atlanta, or ATL. He's talking about standing his ground in a place where he failed to once before, theoretically.
Also, it's...
"Well I, I'm staring longer than I know I should be I can't believe you're standing next to me"
All the time, he's been "trying to catch that glimpse of you." In his disbelief that he can now still stand when seeing this person, he stares, essentially gawks.
"But if grace receives all my weight Then it becomes a crutch And I don't wanna walk with a crutch so much That I can't stand taller than before"
The grace is his new-found balance and acceptance. However, he wants to move on with his life, forget about the past (his crutch), and essentially "stand taller than before" the person was ever in his life to begin with.
I've always wondered what that line was! That makes perfect sense "I never hold on when I change."