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 would have returned your greeting
If it weren't for the way you were looking at me
This street is not a market
And I am not a commodity
Don't you find it sad that we can't even say hello
'Cause you're a man and I'm a woman
And the sun is getting low
There are some places that I can't go
As a woman I can't go there
And as a person I don't care
I don't go for the 'Hey baby, what's your name?'
And I'd alone thank you just the same
I am up again against the skin of my guitar
In the window of my life looking out through the bars
I am sounding out the silence avoiding all the words
I'm afraid I've said too much, I'm afraid of who has heard me
My father, he told me the story and it was true for his time
But now the story's different, maybe I should tell him mine
All the girls line up here, all the boys on the other side
I see your ranks are advancing, I see mine are left behind
I am up again against the skin of my guitar
In the window of my life looking out through the bars
I am sounding out the silence avoiding all the words
I'm afraid I can never say enough, I'm afraid no one has heard me
And despite all the balls that I've been thrown
And forced to drop on the social totem pole
I'm preciously close to the top
They put you in your place and they tell you to behave
But no one can be free until we're all on even grade
And I would have returned your greeting
If it weren't for the way you were looking at me
If it weren't for the way you were looking at me
This street is not a market
And I am not a commodity
Don't you find it sad that we can't even say hello
'Cause you're a man and I'm a woman
And the sun is getting low
There are some places that I can't go
As a woman I can't go there
And as a person I don't care
I don't go for the 'Hey baby, what's your name?'
And I'd alone thank you just the same
I am up again against the skin of my guitar
In the window of my life looking out through the bars
I am sounding out the silence avoiding all the words
I'm afraid I've said too much, I'm afraid of who has heard me
My father, he told me the story and it was true for his time
But now the story's different, maybe I should tell him mine
All the girls line up here, all the boys on the other side
I see your ranks are advancing, I see mine are left behind
I am up again against the skin of my guitar
In the window of my life looking out through the bars
I am sounding out the silence avoiding all the words
I'm afraid I can never say enough, I'm afraid no one has heard me
And despite all the balls that I've been thrown
And forced to drop on the social totem pole
I'm preciously close to the top
They put you in your place and they tell you to behave
But no one can be free until we're all on even grade
And I would have returned your greeting
If it weren't for the way you were looking at me
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Light Up The Sky
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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.
Just A Little Lovin'
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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/
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.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
I have an idea of what this song is about, but can anyone share a good opinion or interpretation?
the honesty and complete truth in this song makes me want to cry when i hear it.
definitely a feminist song, also it's interesting she says that "on the social totem pole I'm preciously close to the top." Because she's white?? or famous with some money and power??