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.
Don't trust them as far as you can throw them
'Cause as strong as you may be you won't be able to move them an inch
But you don't have to believe me go ahead and be the corporate stooge
that they trained you to be and...
THEN YOU'LL SEE WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR LOYALTY!
They call it "down sizing" but that's just a backhanded saying
For the phrase:
"We're gonna screw you, till you're down on your knees...
And you better not try to complain 'cause there's another
Hundred stiffs like you, all who'd plead...I'D KISS YOUR ASS JUST FOR A CHANCE
TO BE A WHORE TO YOUR COMPANY!!!"
You see it every day, everywhere, on the t.v. screen
Each time a different face or family, but it's always the same
"We worked here all our lives, gave them everything we had and now
they say they're gonna move the factory, to a third world country where
the labor is cheap."
But the fact my friend that you don't see
Is the money you spend on the goods they make
Supports their methods of abuse on the third world scene
And in your very own backyard, yes your country
So I won't be the consumer that they want me to be
Because the goods I own, aren't going to set me free
So I won't buy that crap, they want to sell me
Because the goods I own, won't set anyone free
'Cause as strong as you may be you won't be able to move them an inch
But you don't have to believe me go ahead and be the corporate stooge
that they trained you to be and...
THEN YOU'LL SEE WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR LOYALTY!
They call it "down sizing" but that's just a backhanded saying
For the phrase:
"We're gonna screw you, till you're down on your knees...
And you better not try to complain 'cause there's another
Hundred stiffs like you, all who'd plead...I'D KISS YOUR ASS JUST FOR A CHANCE
TO BE A WHORE TO YOUR COMPANY!!!"
You see it every day, everywhere, on the t.v. screen
Each time a different face or family, but it's always the same
"We worked here all our lives, gave them everything we had and now
they say they're gonna move the factory, to a third world country where
the labor is cheap."
But the fact my friend that you don't see
Is the money you spend on the goods they make
Supports their methods of abuse on the third world scene
And in your very own backyard, yes your country
So I won't be the consumer that they want me to be
Because the goods I own, aren't going to set me free
So I won't buy that crap, they want to sell me
Because the goods I own, won't set anyone free
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
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.
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/
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.
This is about getting fucked up by companies. If they don't screw you while working there they will do buy selling you shit whille abusing people in a third world country. I don't think it's that simple but the idea is nice at least they make you think about it.