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.
Guys, what are we doing
Can't live this way forever
Gotta make ourselves some money
Or be thrown out with the bathwater
My sister and my brother
Look to me for answers
And our fathers and our mothers
Wanna know they raised us right
Wanna know they raised us right
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Isn't that the good life is a simple one
Sittin' in the yard watchin' the leaves go by
Reading good books and playing songs
Watching the wind blow through your front yard
Don't follow your head
Follow your heart
While you're sitting all alone in your room on your bed
And your windows are open but you won't go out, no
Heaven go easy on me
While you're sitting all alone in your room on your bed
And your windows are open but you won't go out, no
Ah heaven go easy on me
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
It's damn good to have met you
I hope that you stay
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
All these things are rushing by
All these things are rushing by
All these things are rushing by
All these things are rushing by
All things must end darling {All these things are rushing by}
All things must end darling
All things must end darling
All things must end darling
Heaven go easy on me
Can't live this way forever
Gotta make ourselves some money
Or be thrown out with the bathwater
My sister and my brother
Look to me for answers
And our fathers and our mothers
Wanna know they raised us right
Wanna know they raised us right
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Isn't that the good life is a simple one
Sittin' in the yard watchin' the leaves go by
Reading good books and playing songs
Watching the wind blow through your front yard
Don't follow your head
Follow your heart
While you're sitting all alone in your room on your bed
And your windows are open but you won't go out, no
Heaven go easy on me
While you're sitting all alone in your room on your bed
And your windows are open but you won't go out, no
Ah heaven go easy on me
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
It's damn good to have met you
I hope that you stay
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
We're well on our way
All these things are rushing by
All these things are rushing by
All these things are rushing by
All these things are rushing by
All things must end darling {All these things are rushing by}
All things must end darling
All things must end darling
All things must end darling
Heaven go easy on me
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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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Dreamwalker
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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/
Guys, what are we doing Can’t live this way forever Gotta make ourselves some money Or be thrown out with the bathwater
He's (the narrator) referring to the way they're (him and his friends, bandmates, whoever) living now, and how they need to get out and get famous, and be noticed, or they'll be old news.
My sister and my brother Look to me for answers And our fathers and our mothers Wanna know they raised us right Wanna know they raised us right
The narrator is talking about how he has to be all the time. He can't act out, because his sister and brother see him as a role model, and he doesn't want to hurt his parents by showing him who he thinks he's become, so he stays in the lines.
Isn’t that the good life is a simple one (backup) Sittin’ in the yard watchin’ the leaves go by Reading good books and playing songs Watching the wind blow through your front yard Don’t follow your head Follow your heart
This verse is advice to the listener. He's saying to enjoy life as it comes, and to do what you feel is right in your heart. Don't think too much, because it makes life complicated.
While you’re sitting all alone in your room on your bed And your windows are open but you won’t go out, no Heaven go easy on me While you’re sitting all alone in your room on your bed And your windows are open but you won’t go out, no Heaven go easy on me
This verse kind of confused me. I don't quite get it. If anyone could clear it up, I'd be super happy.
It’s damn good to have met you I hope that you stay We’re well on our way (repeat)
He's glad to have met this person, and he hopes they stay for the ride, because they're having a good time.
(backup) All these things are rushing by (repeat)
All things must end darling (repeat)
Heaven go easy on me
I think that verse is saying that he decides to stay home, signalling that he's not going to "act out." The window's open, representing the fact that he could go out and act out if he wanted, but instead he chooses to stay in, signalling that he will not act out (yet).