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.
It's only self rejection
With a mean left
Cold carbon copied coping
And it's mean theft
That's been left behind
Paint pastel princess
Bo and arapax the shelves when they're broken
I'll beg you beg you
Waste life when youth is sweeter
Neater content with contents
Cultures cringing at accents
And it's too tense camp out
She tastes the candy sugarless cancerous
Crave cocaine cop shows
I'll beg you, beg you
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same
Paint pastel princess
Bo and arapax the shelves when they're broken
I'll beg you, beg you
With a mean left
Cold carbon copied coping
And it's mean theft
That's been left behind
Paint pastel princess
Bo and arapax the shelves when they're broken
I'll beg you beg you
Waste life when youth is sweeter
Neater content with contents
Cultures cringing at accents
And it's too tense camp out
She tastes the candy sugarless cancerous
Crave cocaine cop shows
I'll beg you, beg you
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same to me
But it's all the same
Paint pastel princess
Bo and arapax the shelves when they're broken
I'll beg you, beg you
Lyrics submitted by spitfirek7
Paint Pastel Princess Lyrics as written by Daniel Johns
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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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,
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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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/
The line where he sings "And it's too tense, camp out" isn't nonsense. It's a play on words. Too tense = two tents, in this case. Daniel always fills Silverchair songs with clever puns and whatnot.