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.
Drivin' at night got no where to go
I'm tired and all I wanna do is get stoned
Passin' those streets I known' from mile to mile
And though I'm not far from home
I never felt so alone
So
I'm thinkin that it's hard for me
Though I'm thinkin' that you're hard to beat
My heart grows so cold
When you're standin next to me
Why'm I feelin' that we're bound to be alone
Standing stones
Another way
The bitter shakes
A better way
Than those mistakes
Hangin' on in quiet desperation
The bitter end of acetate
Still livin' here
Without a fate
Bound to pass the point of contemplation
So you don't play the games that others play
Do it your way
Baby yeah I think it's ok
So you're not comin out to see the stars
But baby why is it so hard
To get within an inch of you heart
If you need a little company
Always told you I was hard to beat
My heart grows so cold
'Cause when you're standing here next to me
Are you feelin' that we're bound to be alone
Standing stones
I'm tired and all I wanna do is get stoned
Passin' those streets I known' from mile to mile
And though I'm not far from home
I never felt so alone
So
I'm thinkin that it's hard for me
Though I'm thinkin' that you're hard to beat
My heart grows so cold
When you're standin next to me
Why'm I feelin' that we're bound to be alone
Standing stones
Another way
The bitter shakes
A better way
Than those mistakes
Hangin' on in quiet desperation
The bitter end of acetate
Still livin' here
Without a fate
Bound to pass the point of contemplation
So you don't play the games that others play
Do it your way
Baby yeah I think it's ok
So you're not comin out to see the stars
But baby why is it so hard
To get within an inch of you heart
If you need a little company
Always told you I was hard to beat
My heart grows so cold
'Cause when you're standing here next to me
Are you feelin' that we're bound to be alone
Standing stones
Lyrics submitted by EventHorizonoftheDistortions
Standing Stones Lyrics as written by Alexander Perls Rousmaniere
Lyrics © NATOARTS LIMITED
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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.
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,
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/
Straightforward lyrics, plus some vague ones. Nowhere to be and nothing to do -- isolation, like a prehistoric monolith standing stone (or menhir/lith). The subject is alienated from "baby", who isn't going along with the plan. Occasionally, standing stones are found together, as in a henge; even with "you're standing next to me...feeling we're bound to be alone", stones alone together.
The subject wants to "get stoned", meaning intoxicated. I'm guessing alcohol. Getting drunk can cause ethylic "acetate" poisoning (a hangover), which is a bitter end, especially after intoxication "past the point of contemplation". "Another way", without getting drunk, can cause an alcoholic to suffer delirium tremens, which are "bitter shakes", but "a better way than those" drug abuse "mistakes". Either way, the subject will "live without a fate" "in quiet desperation", still alone like the standing stone.