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.
(Skip Ewing/Jimmy Wayne Barber)
He sat up on the bed and he watched me packing
He already knew why I was leavin¡¯
I took what I needed but I sure left a lot still hanging
But I figured I¡¯d get it come the weekend
He said Daddy when you get there
Are you gonna have a refrigerator
I kinda laughed and said I guess I will
Then he handed me a tracing of his hand
On the back of a piece of paper
And a magnet and my heart stood still (when he said)
Put your hand in mine
And I¡¯ll be there anytime
When it feels like you could use a friend
I¡¯ll be there to lift you up again
You can reach out to me anytime
And put your hand in mine
I drove past the Hardin Baptist Church
Though it wasn¡¯t really on the way to my hotel
Beside me on the seat I was looking at five small fingers
When I heard the chapel bell (and it took me)
Back another life ago when our hearts were open
Oh, back when we could still agree
Back when the future that we had was full of hope and
You and I we got down on our knees (and said)
Put your hand in mine
And I¡¯ll be there anytime
When it feels like you could use a friend
I¡¯ll be there to lift you up again
You can reach out to me anytime
And put your hand in mine
I couldn¡¯t even stay away one night
I noticed you left on the light
And I¡¯ve only got one thing to say
If you¡¯re not too tired and it¡¯s not too late
Put your hand in mine
And I¡¯ll be here all the time
When it feels like you could use a friend
I¡¯ll be here to lift you up again
Would you reach out to me one more time
And put your hand in mine
Would you reach out to me just one more time
And put your hand in mine
He sat up on the bed and he watched me packing
He already knew why I was leavin¡¯
I took what I needed but I sure left a lot still hanging
But I figured I¡¯d get it come the weekend
He said Daddy when you get there
Are you gonna have a refrigerator
I kinda laughed and said I guess I will
Then he handed me a tracing of his hand
On the back of a piece of paper
And a magnet and my heart stood still (when he said)
Put your hand in mine
And I¡¯ll be there anytime
When it feels like you could use a friend
I¡¯ll be there to lift you up again
You can reach out to me anytime
And put your hand in mine
I drove past the Hardin Baptist Church
Though it wasn¡¯t really on the way to my hotel
Beside me on the seat I was looking at five small fingers
When I heard the chapel bell (and it took me)
Back another life ago when our hearts were open
Oh, back when we could still agree
Back when the future that we had was full of hope and
You and I we got down on our knees (and said)
Put your hand in mine
And I¡¯ll be there anytime
When it feels like you could use a friend
I¡¯ll be there to lift you up again
You can reach out to me anytime
And put your hand in mine
I couldn¡¯t even stay away one night
I noticed you left on the light
And I¡¯ve only got one thing to say
If you¡¯re not too tired and it¡¯s not too late
Put your hand in mine
And I¡¯ll be here all the time
When it feels like you could use a friend
I¡¯ll be here to lift you up again
Would you reach out to me one more time
And put your hand in mine
Would you reach out to me just one more time
And put your hand in mine
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Put Your Hand in Mine Lyrics as written by Jimmy Barber Donald Ewing Ii
Lyrics © WRITE! ON MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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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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,
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Dusty Springfield
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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/