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'd burn for you, I'd burn for you
You're like a lost freight train
A 747 with no pilot at the reins
Stay with me and you can keep your fame
Jam it up a gear as I got to get away
What do I know? I'm six-foot-none
You've got your silver bullets, raise your god-damn gun
Girl, I can see your pain
Standing on the corner trying to shelter from the rain
Looking like you're interested so that the people think you're sane
I think I know your name, shit we think the same
This is not a game I play discreetly
Even though if it does sound kind of creepy
I'll make sure you're tucked in when I leave you
So no one else could get to you
You're like a drunk Mark Twain
Spitting out your venom with no fire in the flames
Stay with me, what do I know about pain?
Did you stop to think this might be driving me insane?
Looking like you're innocent so that the people think you're playing
Get the early train, shit we think the same
This is not a game, this is not a game
This is not a game I play discreetly
Even though if it does sound kind of creepy
I'll make sure you're tucked in when I leave you
So no one else can get to you
We can hear the rain come down secretly
Your looks got me kind of weak in the knees
I'd burn for you, I'd burn for you
And you can keep your change
I wouldn't spend it anyway
I wouldn't know where to start
Girl, I can see your pain
Girl, I can see your pain
Think I know your name, shit we think the same
This is not a game I play discreetly
Even if it does sound kind of creepy
I'll make sure you're tucked in when I leave you
So no one else can get to you
We can hear the rain come down secretly
Your looks got me kind of weak in the knees
I'd burn for you, I'd burn for you
I'd burn for you, I'd burn for you
You're like a lost freight train
A 747 with no pilot at the reins
Stay with me and you can keep your fame
Jam it up a gear as I got to get away
What do I know? I'm six-foot-none
You've got your silver bullets, raise your god-damn gun
Girl, I can see your pain
Standing on the corner trying to shelter from the rain
Looking like you're interested so that the people think you're sane
I think I know your name, shit we think the same
This is not a game I play discreetly
Even though if it does sound kind of creepy
I'll make sure you're tucked in when I leave you
So no one else could get to you
You're like a drunk Mark Twain
Spitting out your venom with no fire in the flames
Stay with me, what do I know about pain?
Did you stop to think this might be driving me insane?
Looking like you're innocent so that the people think you're playing
Get the early train, shit we think the same
This is not a game, this is not a game
This is not a game I play discreetly
Even though if it does sound kind of creepy
I'll make sure you're tucked in when I leave you
So no one else can get to you
We can hear the rain come down secretly
Your looks got me kind of weak in the knees
I'd burn for you, I'd burn for you
And you can keep your change
I wouldn't spend it anyway
I wouldn't know where to start
Girl, I can see your pain
Girl, I can see your pain
Think I know your name, shit we think the same
This is not a game I play discreetly
Even if it does sound kind of creepy
I'll make sure you're tucked in when I leave you
So no one else can get to you
We can hear the rain come down secretly
Your looks got me kind of weak in the knees
I'd burn for you, I'd burn for you
I'd burn for you, I'd burn for you
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
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.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
I like this song and the video as well, but i wonder what happens in the end? I hope they all lived :)