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.
Would you like to swing on a star
(Oh, oh, oh)
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
(Oh, oh, oh)
And be better off than you are
(Oh, oh, oh)
Or would you rather be a mule
(Yeah, yeah, talking 'bout a mule now)
A mule is an animal
With long funny ears
He kicks up at anything he hears
(Just like you, Dee)
His back is brawny
And his brain is weak
He's just plain stupid
With a stubborn streak
And by the way
If you hate to go to school
(Which I do)
You may grow up to be a mule
(I don't wanna grow up
And be a mule)
Well, would you like to
Swing on a star (okay)
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
(One moonbeam, two moonbeam)
And be better off than you are
(Oh, oh, oh)
Or would you rather be a pig
(Yeah, yeah, talking 'bout a pig now)
A pig is an animal
With dirt on his face (yeah)
His shoes are a terrible disgrace
(Look who's talking)
He's got no manners
When he eats his food
(You gobble)
He's fat and lazy and extremely rude
But if you don't care
A feather or a fig
(That's the truth)
You may grow up to be a pig
(Not if I can help it, baby)
Oh, oh, oh (oh, oh, oh)
Oh, oh, oh
Would you like to swing on a star
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
And be better off than you are
You could be swinging on a star
Oh, oh, oh, yeah
We could be swinging on a star
Oh, oh, oh, yeah
We could be swinging on a star
Oh, oh, oh, yeah
We could be swinging on a star
Oh, oh, oh, yeah
We could be swinging on a star
(Oh, oh, oh)
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
(Oh, oh, oh)
And be better off than you are
(Oh, oh, oh)
Or would you rather be a mule
(Yeah, yeah, talking 'bout a mule now)
A mule is an animal
With long funny ears
He kicks up at anything he hears
(Just like you, Dee)
His back is brawny
And his brain is weak
He's just plain stupid
With a stubborn streak
And by the way
If you hate to go to school
(Which I do)
You may grow up to be a mule
(I don't wanna grow up
And be a mule)
Well, would you like to
Swing on a star (okay)
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
(One moonbeam, two moonbeam)
And be better off than you are
(Oh, oh, oh)
Or would you rather be a pig
(Yeah, yeah, talking 'bout a pig now)
A pig is an animal
With dirt on his face (yeah)
His shoes are a terrible disgrace
(Look who's talking)
He's got no manners
When he eats his food
(You gobble)
He's fat and lazy and extremely rude
But if you don't care
A feather or a fig
(That's the truth)
You may grow up to be a pig
(Not if I can help it, baby)
Oh, oh, oh (oh, oh, oh)
Oh, oh, oh
Would you like to swing on a star
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
And be better off than you are
You could be swinging on a star
Oh, oh, oh, yeah
We could be swinging on a star
Oh, oh, oh, yeah
We could be swinging on a star
Oh, oh, oh, yeah
We could be swinging on a star
Oh, oh, oh, yeah
We could be swinging on a star
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Swinging on a Star Lyrics as written by Jimmy Van Heusen Johnny Burke
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Kanjian Music
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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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.
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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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/