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.
I'm a traveling man don't tie me down
There's just too much living going all around
A man he's got to see what he can see
I love the road and I love the air
And I don't worry hell I never care
I love my women sometimes they love me
But I was got one day I still don't know how
I didn't even like that town
This fellow said stranger why don't you just go on home
And I said man that's where I'm headed to
And you couldn't stop me if you knew what to do
And I left and I planned to go alone
But the road was long and home was far
So I stopped off at this little cowboy-looking bar
I walked on through the door and she just smiled
In a long pony tail and a pretty white dress
She said hi bull riders do it best
I said oh my God what's your name
My name's Lyle
And I said ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
Take your boots and walk out of my life
Ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
I can't be no cowgirl paradise
I looked at her and she looked at me
And I looked back and she looked back
And we went out together for a walk
Her eyes were bright just like the stars
But she drove a pickup said she hated cars
But loved to ride around out after dark
And I said ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
Take your boots and walk out of my life
Ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
I can't be no cowgirl paradise
I told her redneck-ness has got to be a disease
You catch it on your fingers and it just crawls right up your sleeves
Ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
I can't be no cowgirl paradise
Well how she did it I'll never know
But it's been maybe 20 years or so
And she cooks the supper and I try to pay the rent
But I'm a traveling man don't tie me down
There's just too much living go all around
But I can't figure out quite where it went
Then I think ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
Take your boots and walk out of my life
Ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
I can't be no cowgirl paradise
There's just too much living going all around
A man he's got to see what he can see
I love the road and I love the air
And I don't worry hell I never care
I love my women sometimes they love me
But I was got one day I still don't know how
I didn't even like that town
This fellow said stranger why don't you just go on home
And I said man that's where I'm headed to
And you couldn't stop me if you knew what to do
And I left and I planned to go alone
But the road was long and home was far
So I stopped off at this little cowboy-looking bar
I walked on through the door and she just smiled
In a long pony tail and a pretty white dress
She said hi bull riders do it best
I said oh my God what's your name
My name's Lyle
And I said ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
Take your boots and walk out of my life
Ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
I can't be no cowgirl paradise
I looked at her and she looked at me
And I looked back and she looked back
And we went out together for a walk
Her eyes were bright just like the stars
But she drove a pickup said she hated cars
But loved to ride around out after dark
And I said ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
Take your boots and walk out of my life
Ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
I can't be no cowgirl paradise
I told her redneck-ness has got to be a disease
You catch it on your fingers and it just crawls right up your sleeves
Ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
I can't be no cowgirl paradise
Well how she did it I'll never know
But it's been maybe 20 years or so
And she cooks the supper and I try to pay the rent
But I'm a traveling man don't tie me down
There's just too much living go all around
But I can't figure out quite where it went
Then I think ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
Take your boots and walk out of my life
Ooh give back my heart chip kicker-redneck woman
I can't be no cowgirl paradise
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Give Back My Heart Lyrics as written by Lyle Pearce Lovett
Lyrics © Regard Music, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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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.
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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.
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.