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.
[Thurston]
Another can of worms
another stomach turns
yeah your ghetto burns
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
you got a stupid man
you got a ku klux klan
your fucking battleplan
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
a sieg heil-in' squirt
you're an impotent jerk
yeah a fascist twerp
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
black robe and swill
i believe Anita Hill
judge will rot in hell
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
yeah a cross on fire
by a christian liar
a black attack at fire
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
yeah the president sucks
he's a war pig fuck
his shit is out of luck
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
another nazi attack
skinhead is cracked
my blood is black
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
we're banging pots and pans
to make you understand
we gotta bury you man
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
i'm a human wreck
redneck in check
i killed the teacher's pet
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
Another can of worms
another stomach turns
yeah your ghetto burns
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
you got a stupid man
you got a ku klux klan
your fucking battleplan
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
a sieg heil-in' squirt
you're an impotent jerk
yeah a fascist twerp
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
black robe and swill
i believe Anita Hill
judge will rot in hell
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
yeah a cross on fire
by a christian liar
a black attack at fire
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
yeah the president sucks
he's a war pig fuck
his shit is out of luck
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
another nazi attack
skinhead is cracked
my blood is black
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
we're banging pots and pans
to make you understand
we gotta bury you man
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
i'm a human wreck
redneck in check
i killed the teacher's pet
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
it's the song i hate
Lyrics submitted by shut
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Van Halen
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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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
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/
atthedrive-in, I agree with you on that, but I thought of the lyrics being about someone (I always interpreted it as people who were listening to the songs - the 'Youth' in 'Youth Against Fascism', but that's just me) who hears all these songs with very overt messages, and agrees with the sentiment of the song. The problem, though, is that 'it's the song I hate' - it's not the ideas, it's shitty music.
Also, Ian Mackaye's guitar part on this song is pretty awesome.
@snakemistakes No, sonic YOUTH are the “Youth” that is against fascism.