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,
Ya know nothing is promised us
As we walk over this plain
It can be cruel and dangerous
So what have you to gain
By being so rough?
Haven't you had enough?
You've never done anything
To deserve how you treat yourself
You can't stop wondering
How you look to everyone else
Because I believe
When you look inside you don't like what you see
You need to realize that you could be
Anything
In this whole wide world
When you get tired of running from yourself
And running games
When you decide you want to grow
And be yourself again
To all your so-called friends
You're just a means to their ends
You're so misunderstood
Because you're kind they think you're weak
Try it again, I wish they would
They're gonna have to come through me
Because I believe
When you look deep inside and don't like what you see
You need to realize you could be
Anything
I believe
When you look deep inside and don't like what you see
You need to realize you could be
Anything, anything
In this whole wide world
Don't you know
As we walk over this plain
It can be cruel and dangerous
So what have you to gain
By being so rough?
Haven't you had enough?
You've never done anything
To deserve how you treat yourself
You can't stop wondering
How you look to everyone else
Because I believe
When you look inside you don't like what you see
You need to realize that you could be
Anything
In this whole wide world
When you get tired of running from yourself
And running games
When you decide you want to grow
And be yourself again
To all your so-called friends
You're just a means to their ends
You're so misunderstood
Because you're kind they think you're weak
Try it again, I wish they would
They're gonna have to come through me
Because I believe
When you look deep inside and don't like what you see
You need to realize you could be
Anything
I believe
When you look deep inside and don't like what you see
You need to realize you could be
Anything, anything
In this whole wide world
Don't you know
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
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
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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/
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.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.