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.
Rake up all the leaves in pleasant valley
It's the last day of my visit upstate New York
To pay respects to the old man
He's still got his sense of humor
But his body fails him
He's surrounded by loved ones
But that only goes so far
And does he know where he is?
I doubt it.
Jack the lion roaring his last
Like a vision sent from the past
Bedside crying holding his hands
Strong hands
Finally get a moment alone with the old man
He's having trouble breathing and he's not the only one
He wonders where time goes
And why we haven't spoken for so long
He regrets it
He forgets it
And none too soon
Because he's closing his eyes and fading
We thank you for uniting
We thank you for the cause
We thank you for the lion
We thank you for the claws
Come see him again
Come see him again
Come see him again
Come see him again
Bop bop bop
Jack the lion roaring his last
Like a vision sent from the past
Bedside, crying, holding his hands
Strong hands
It's the last day of my visit upstate New York
To pay respects to the old man
He's still got his sense of humor
But his body fails him
He's surrounded by loved ones
But that only goes so far
And does he know where he is?
I doubt it.
Jack the lion roaring his last
Like a vision sent from the past
Bedside crying holding his hands
Strong hands
Finally get a moment alone with the old man
He's having trouble breathing and he's not the only one
He wonders where time goes
And why we haven't spoken for so long
He regrets it
He forgets it
And none too soon
Because he's closing his eyes and fading
We thank you for uniting
We thank you for the cause
We thank you for the lion
We thank you for the claws
Come see him again
Come see him again
Come see him again
Come see him again
Bop bop bop
Jack the lion roaring his last
Like a vision sent from the past
Bedside, crying, holding his hands
Strong hands
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
The Night We Met
Lord Huron
Lord Huron
This is a hauntingly beautiful song about introspection, specifically about looking back at a relationship that started bad and ended so poorly, that the narrator wants to go back to the very beginning and tell himself to not even travel down that road. I believe that the relationship started poorly because of the lines:
"Take me back to the night we met:When the night was full of terrors: And your eyes were filled with tears: When you had not touched me yet"
So, the first night was not a great start, but the narrator pursued the relationship and eventually both overcame the rough start to fall in love with each other:
"I had all and then most of you"
Like many relationships that turn sour, it was not a quick decline, but a gradual one where the narrator and their partner fall out of love and gradually grow apart
"Some and now none of you"
Losing someone who was once everything in your world, who you could confide in, tell your secrets to, share all the most intimate parts of your life, to being strangers with that person is probably one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. So Painful, the narrator wants to go back in time and tell himself to not even pursue the relationship.
This was the perfect song for "13 Reasons Why"
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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/
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.
For the record, it's about Sean's then-dying grandfather, not his still-living father.
This is the only song I've ever heard that makes me cry (yes, I'm a dude). Every time I hear it I can't hold back tears, I hate to listen to it but I love to listen to it. Certain lines in it strike chords with me from around the time when my grandpa passed. Only. Song. Ever. To make. Me. Cry. Powerful.
I'm thinking this song is about an older relative (grandfather or uncle perhaps) or even an old friend who is near-death. It saddens and him to go visit Jack but at the same time it makes him happy because he's in good and noble company, hence Jack the Lion.
maybe it's about the narrator and an old friend he lost contact with and things became awkward:
"Finally get a moment alone with the old man He's having trouble breathing and he's not the only one He wonders where time goes And why we haven't spoken for so long"
so yea, it's probably about old friendships and shit like that and the awkwardness of meeting the old man, jack, on his deathbed and feeling sorry and stupid for not keeping in touch because of being too lazy.
Oh.. so you mean.. like what ajtelecky said? Good call!
so, maybe im underanalyzing, but it seems pretty obvious to me that this song is about his father passing away...you know, his old man? he hasnt seen or spoken to him in a long time and they both regret it. but more importantly he's having trouble accepting the fact that his father, who always seemed strong and invincible, is so helpless and weak now.
I always thought if it as being his father or maybe uncle, not an old friend, because an old firend wouldn't be that much older than the narrator. He is referred to as Jack the Lion beause even though he is week in body, he has a strong spirit and he is noble and proud, like a lion.
I think that this song is about his father's passing. I like the irony in the lines "come see him again," because, obviously, this is the last time he'll be able to see him.
I always wonder if this is about some old band fading away but playing a last show in new york... not a ton of basis behind that, but it kinda fits. WHO KNOWS!?!!?
I'm with the hippie on this one. If it had said just "old man" instead of "the old man" you might have a point for another acquaintance, but "the old man" speaks so specifically that I think it has to be his father.