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 don't believe in first impressions
For just this once I hope that looks don't deceive
I ain't got time for true confessions
I've got to make the move right now
Got to meet that girl somehow
I've gotta get it right the first time
That's the main thing, oohh oohh
I can't afford to let it pass
You get it right the next time that's not the same thing, ooh ooh
Gonna have to make the first time last
La, la, la, la, la (Repeat)
I'm not much good at conversation
I was never to smooth at comin' on real strong
If all it takes is inspiration
Then I might have just what it takes
If I don't make no bad mistakes and I get it right the first time
That's the main thing
Can't afford to let it pass
You get it right the next time that's not the same thing
Have to make the first time last
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la (Repeat)
I might find the courage, yeah
I might get up the nerve
But if my timing ain't just right
What purpose would it serve?
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know how to say those first few words
If I want to put myself in touch
The first few moments mean so much
So I suppose it's now or never
Before that woman walks right out of my life
Just let me pull myself together
I've got to give it one good try
Gotta take my chance tonight
I've gotta get it right the first time
That's the main thing
I can't afford to let it pass
You get it right the next time it's not the same thing
Gonna have to make the first time last
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la (Repeat)
For just this once I hope that looks don't deceive
I ain't got time for true confessions
I've got to make the move right now
Got to meet that girl somehow
I've gotta get it right the first time
That's the main thing, oohh oohh
I can't afford to let it pass
You get it right the next time that's not the same thing, ooh ooh
Gonna have to make the first time last
La, la, la, la, la (Repeat)
I'm not much good at conversation
I was never to smooth at comin' on real strong
If all it takes is inspiration
Then I might have just what it takes
If I don't make no bad mistakes and I get it right the first time
That's the main thing
Can't afford to let it pass
You get it right the next time that's not the same thing
Have to make the first time last
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la (Repeat)
I might find the courage, yeah
I might get up the nerve
But if my timing ain't just right
What purpose would it serve?
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know how to say those first few words
If I want to put myself in touch
The first few moments mean so much
So I suppose it's now or never
Before that woman walks right out of my life
Just let me pull myself together
I've got to give it one good try
Gotta take my chance tonight
I've gotta get it right the first time
That's the main thing
I can't afford to let it pass
You get it right the next time it's not the same thing
Gonna have to make the first time last
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la (Repeat)
Lyrics submitted by onearmedscissor
Get It Right the First Time Lyrics as written by Billy Joel
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
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/
No, it's definitely about Star Wars.
Don't dis a Joel song....ever :) The man has been putting out music (successfully) for decades. He's a big talent. I wish I didn't know every word to every song on this particular album, but I do (and I cannot sing for the life of me). I love the energy throughout this song. It's in-your-face upbeat. The song's about not waiting for life to come up and grab you; it's about making the most of life and not missing opportunities when they are standing in front of you. Good message.