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.
Who were you before you were?
Before the sweets passed through your teeth
Before the games you learnt weren't there
Before your mama would soap up your hair
Where did you learn to snatch those toys
And tell me where did you learn to make that noise
Screaming seemed to get you far
Spitting your dummy out of your cart
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Greedy greedy greedy, take take take
Then its kissy smily, fake fake fake, Like a cake
A, BC, DEF greedy, do you think that you can change
Up yourself, so you can stand on your friends heads, I said
Chocolate's on the pillows are complimentary
That’s what I said, on the fence!
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Dreamer, dreamer, dreamer, dreamer
Dreamer, dreamer, dreamer, dreamer
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Like my friend Icarus, went and melted off his wings
Like a fallen fallen angel lifts his heavy weights before
he sings
That bitch that cut of Samson's hair
It ain’t nice, and it sure aint fair
Now everybody, so play fair, we are the same, we are the
same
As everybody, so play fair, we are the same, we are the
same
Who were you before you were
Before the sweets passed through your teeth
Before the games you learnt weren't there
Before your mamma would soap up your hair
Where did you learn to snatch those toys
where did you learn to make that noise
Screaming seem to get you far
Spitting that dummy filling your cart
Living the life of a dreamer
Your living the life do you know what it means
Your living the life of a dreamer
Your living the life do you know what it means
Its not what it seems
Before the sweets passed through your teeth
Before the games you learnt weren't there
Before your mama would soap up your hair
Where did you learn to snatch those toys
And tell me where did you learn to make that noise
Screaming seemed to get you far
Spitting your dummy out of your cart
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Greedy greedy greedy, take take take
Then its kissy smily, fake fake fake, Like a cake
A, BC, DEF greedy, do you think that you can change
Up yourself, so you can stand on your friends heads, I said
Chocolate's on the pillows are complimentary
That’s what I said, on the fence!
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Dreamer, dreamer, dreamer, dreamer
Dreamer, dreamer, dreamer, dreamer
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Like my friend Icarus, went and melted off his wings
Like a fallen fallen angel lifts his heavy weights before
he sings
That bitch that cut of Samson's hair
It ain’t nice, and it sure aint fair
Now everybody, so play fair, we are the same, we are the
same
As everybody, so play fair, we are the same, we are the
same
Who were you before you were
Before the sweets passed through your teeth
Before the games you learnt weren't there
Before your mamma would soap up your hair
Where did you learn to snatch those toys
where did you learn to make that noise
Screaming seem to get you far
Spitting that dummy filling your cart
Living the life of a dreamer
Your living the life do you know what it means
Your living the life of a dreamer
Your living the life do you know what it means
Its not what it seems
Lyrics submitted by uteinfullerton
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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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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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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/