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.
Ahh
Yeah, yeah, yeah, hey
Yeah, yeah
You've got to show me love
Heartbreaks and promises
I've had more than my share
I'm tired of giving my love
And gettin' nowhere, nowhere
What I need is somebody
Who really cares
I really need a lover
A lover that wants to be there
It's been so long since I've touched a wanting hand
I can't put my love on the line
That I hope you'll understand
So, baby, if you want me
You've got to show me love
Words aren't so easy to say, alright
You've got to show me love
I'm tired of getting caught up
In those one night affairs
What I really need is somebody
Who will always be there
Don't you promise me the world
All that I've already heard
This time around for me, baby
Actions speak louder than words
If you're looking for devotion
Talk to me
Come with your heart in your hands
Because my love is guaranteed
So, baby, if you want me
You've got to show me love
Words aren't so easy to say, alright
You've got to show me love
Show me, show me, baby
You've got to give it to me, give it to me, give it to me, yeah
I don't want no fakes, don't want no phony
I need your love
Show me, show me, show me, baby
Give it to me, give it to me
I am not a toy, I'm not a play thing
You've got to understand
If you're looking for devotion
Talk to me
Come with your heart in your hands
Because my love is guaranteed
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, hey
Yeah, yeah, yeah, hey
Yeah, yeah
You've got to show me love
Heartbreaks and promises
I've had more than my share
I'm tired of giving my love
And gettin' nowhere, nowhere
What I need is somebody
Who really cares
I really need a lover
A lover that wants to be there
It's been so long since I've touched a wanting hand
I can't put my love on the line
That I hope you'll understand
So, baby, if you want me
You've got to show me love
Words aren't so easy to say, alright
You've got to show me love
I'm tired of getting caught up
In those one night affairs
What I really need is somebody
Who will always be there
Don't you promise me the world
All that I've already heard
This time around for me, baby
Actions speak louder than words
If you're looking for devotion
Talk to me
Come with your heart in your hands
Because my love is guaranteed
So, baby, if you want me
You've got to show me love
Words aren't so easy to say, alright
You've got to show me love
Show me, show me, baby
You've got to give it to me, give it to me, give it to me, yeah
I don't want no fakes, don't want no phony
I need your love
Show me, show me, show me, baby
Give it to me, give it to me
I am not a toy, I'm not a play thing
You've got to understand
If you're looking for devotion
Talk to me
Come with your heart in your hands
Because my love is guaranteed
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, hey
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Show Me Love Lyrics as written by Fred Mc Farlane Allen George
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, CTM Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
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”
Gentle Hour
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,