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 could hear them howling from afar
I saw them rushing to your car
In a moment all went screaming wild
Until the darkness killed the light
I remember running to the sea
The burning houses and trees
I remember running to the sea
Alone and blinded by the fear
And the river flows beneath your skin
Like savage forces kept within
And all is wasted in the sand
Like breaking diamonds with your hand
I remember running to the sea
Remember falling to my knees
I remember gliding off the shore
Until I touched the ocean floor
And the river flows beneath your skin
Like savage forces kept within
And all is wasted in the sand
Like breaking diamonds with your hand
And the river grows inside of me
And the river grows inside of me
And the river grows inside of me
And the river grows inside of me
I saw them rushing to your car
In a moment all went screaming wild
Until the darkness killed the light
I remember running to the sea
The burning houses and trees
I remember running to the sea
Alone and blinded by the fear
And the river flows beneath your skin
Like savage forces kept within
And all is wasted in the sand
Like breaking diamonds with your hand
I remember running to the sea
Remember falling to my knees
I remember gliding off the shore
Until I touched the ocean floor
And the river flows beneath your skin
Like savage forces kept within
And all is wasted in the sand
Like breaking diamonds with your hand
And the river grows inside of me
And the river grows inside of me
And the river grows inside of me
And the river grows inside of me
Lyrics submitted by adetailed, edited by clusty, Ex3cUtIoN11, sasquatch19, MoNeart, zephyriffic
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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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"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.
Just A Little Lovin'
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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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
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Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
"I could hear them howling from afar I saw them rushing to your car"
"In a moment all went screaming wild Until the darkness killed the light"
"I remember running to the sea The burning houses and the trees"
"I remember running to the sea Alone and blinded by the fear"
"And the river flows beneath your skin Like savage horses kept within"
"And all is wasted in the sand Like breaking diamonds with your hand"
"I remember running to the sea Remember falling to my knees"
"I remember gliding off the shore Until I touched the ocean floor"
"And the river grows inside of me"