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.
Only you...
[Talk]
And the man and woman fall in love
And it's magic...pure magic!
(work that magic)
All alone
On a night like this
With nothing to do
But think about you
Under the moon
Two lovers kiss
And all I can do
Is think about you
I fall in love with you
Day after day after day
Baby in New York heartbeat
A herd of wild horses
Could not keep me away
And that's no promise
That's a guarantee
[Chorus]
Without your
My heart is frantic
Distant love can become tragic
When we touch
It's so romantic
Only you can work that magic
Only you...can work that magic [Repeat: x 3]
In my heart
I hold your hand
I'm gonna be true
So true to you baby
And I've decided
To make a love stand
Next to you, right next to you baby
I fall in love with you (etc)
[Chorus]
When the night
Comes closing in
Be there for me, be there baby
We'll sail away
To a magic land
Stay forever...stay forever
Tenderly you call my name
Turned my heart into a burning flame
[Chorus]
Without you
My heart is frantic
When we touch
It's so romantic
So romantic
See'mon now...work it
Work that magic [Repeat: x 4]
[Talk]
And the man and woman fall in love
And it's magic...pure magic!
(work that magic)
All alone
On a night like this
With nothing to do
But think about you
Under the moon
Two lovers kiss
And all I can do
Is think about you
I fall in love with you
Day after day after day
Baby in New York heartbeat
A herd of wild horses
Could not keep me away
And that's no promise
That's a guarantee
[Chorus]
Without your
My heart is frantic
Distant love can become tragic
When we touch
It's so romantic
Only you can work that magic
Only you...can work that magic [Repeat: x 3]
In my heart
I hold your hand
I'm gonna be true
So true to you baby
And I've decided
To make a love stand
Next to you, right next to you baby
I fall in love with you (etc)
[Chorus]
When the night
Comes closing in
Be there for me, be there baby
We'll sail away
To a magic land
Stay forever...stay forever
Tenderly you call my name
Turned my heart into a burning flame
[Chorus]
Without you
My heart is frantic
When we touch
It's so romantic
So romantic
See'mon now...work it
Work that magic [Repeat: x 4]
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Work That Magic Lyrics as written by Donna Summer Larry Henley
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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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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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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/
Head > Heels
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“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.