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.
Is it gold?
Is it snow?
Is it all the debt I owe?
That money buys on a clock
On a silver studded bead
That I wore back then
When my head was thin
And i sewed and i sewed
All the ribbons on my coat
Seventeen past a year
Only breath could keep my heels
On the street
Thanking broad strong backs that built
All the roads and mines
That were left behind
Digging coal, digging coal
Used their bodies to feed their homes
Picking at the meat, dear
You won't break my wish
I took my half
Throwing out the seeds, dear
Hope this dirt will bind
And grow a tree
Saffron blows in the yard
Getting tossed a tasseled toe
Keep your hair tied for touch
In a brown unfolded bun
When it fell back down
Did it leave your crown
With the cloth that you bought
That was eaten by the moths?
Calling out a wave, dear
Calling out a wave will be your grave
This will last your life, dear
Ocean is a boy who wastes his day
Calling out a wave, dear
Calling out a wave will be your grave
This will last your life, dear
Ocean is a boy who wastes his day
Is it snow?
Is it all the debt I owe?
That money buys on a clock
On a silver studded bead
That I wore back then
When my head was thin
And i sewed and i sewed
All the ribbons on my coat
Seventeen past a year
Only breath could keep my heels
On the street
Thanking broad strong backs that built
All the roads and mines
That were left behind
Digging coal, digging coal
Used their bodies to feed their homes
Picking at the meat, dear
You won't break my wish
I took my half
Throwing out the seeds, dear
Hope this dirt will bind
And grow a tree
Saffron blows in the yard
Getting tossed a tasseled toe
Keep your hair tied for touch
In a brown unfolded bun
When it fell back down
Did it leave your crown
With the cloth that you bought
That was eaten by the moths?
Calling out a wave, dear
Calling out a wave will be your grave
This will last your life, dear
Ocean is a boy who wastes his day
Calling out a wave, dear
Calling out a wave will be your grave
This will last your life, dear
Ocean is a boy who wastes his day
Lyrics submitted by ravedolphin
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.