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.
Black is a cast
And two is a crowd
And gold rim is an answer
And black is a crowd
I am just for you
As you are not for me
So even if you stop
Your sitting here by yourself
You could never try to answer anyone
You could never start and see
What you're doing to me
Kiss oh, they were the ones
And dressed
Like something so special
And death is to begin
Caress I think it's a sin
I was alone
Until you took me away
You could never stop
Your sitting here by yourself
You could never try to argue anyone
You would never stop and see
What you're doing to me
Oh, I'm alone
While they were standing
Next to you
And days were long
And there was time
Just you wait and see
Waiting for a bottle of truth
I'm just a lonely guy
In my youth
And waiting for you
It's all I want to do
You could never stop
You sitting all by yourself
You could never try to answer anything
You will never stop and see
What's you're doing to me
Oh, what you're doing to me
Oh, what you're doing to me
Oh, what are you doing to me?
Oh, yeah ooh
And two is a crowd
And gold rim is an answer
And black is a crowd
I am just for you
As you are not for me
So even if you stop
Your sitting here by yourself
You could never try to answer anyone
You could never start and see
What you're doing to me
Kiss oh, they were the ones
And dressed
Like something so special
And death is to begin
Caress I think it's a sin
I was alone
Until you took me away
You could never stop
Your sitting here by yourself
You could never try to argue anyone
You would never stop and see
What you're doing to me
Oh, I'm alone
While they were standing
Next to you
And days were long
And there was time
Just you wait and see
Waiting for a bottle of truth
I'm just a lonely guy
In my youth
And waiting for you
It's all I want to do
You could never stop
You sitting all by yourself
You could never try to answer anything
You will never stop and see
What's you're doing to me
Oh, what you're doing to me
Oh, what you're doing to me
Oh, what are you doing to me?
Oh, yeah ooh
Lyrics submitted by GSleazeBag
Black Lyrics as written by Peter J. Yorn
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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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”
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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.
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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/
well, my take is that, he liked a girl. and that girl had or liked someone else. and i guess, theyve been friends for a while. or at least, known each other. and she just doesnt realise how much he liked/loved her. she might like him too, cause i think theres flirtation between them, "... kiss, ... caress". oh well, thats what i think. you know what, Pete Yorn is the man! hahaha. :-D