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.
Spotlight, shine bright
Tonight, spotlight
No one knows you better than you know yourself
Do the thing you want don't wait for someone else
Life is just a party that's all you need to know
It's your turn to shine baby let yourself go
Everybody is a star
Everyone is special in their own way
So you set your goals high and go far
Don't put off tomorrow what you can do today
[Chorus:]
Spotlight, open up your eyes and see
Spotlight, shining out for you and me
Spotlight, this world is yours and mine
Spotlight, this is your chance to shine
Don't stand in the corner waiting for the chance
Make your own music start your own dance
When you feel the rhythm, I'll be by your side
Now you have the power baby love is on your side
Everybody wants to shine
Don't stand in the sideline, step into the light
But it's got to come from inside
Listen to your heart and step into the
[Chorus]
Don't be afraid to fall
I'll hear you when you call
And I'll be right here by your side
Don't be afraid to try
Everybody is a star
It's got to come from the heart
Spotlight, this world is yours and mine
Spotlight, this is your chance to shine
Don't be afraid to fall
I'll hear you when you call
And I'll be right here by your side
Don't be afraid to try
Everybody wants to shine
Don't stand in the sideline, step into the light
But it's got to come from inside
Listen to heart and step into the light
Don't be afraid to fall
I'll hear you when you call
And I'll be right here by your side
Don't be afraid to try
[Chorus]
Everybody is a star, you know who you are
This is your chance to shine
It's got to come from the heart, do it right from the start
And step into the light
Tonight, spotlight
No one knows you better than you know yourself
Do the thing you want don't wait for someone else
Life is just a party that's all you need to know
It's your turn to shine baby let yourself go
Everybody is a star
Everyone is special in their own way
So you set your goals high and go far
Don't put off tomorrow what you can do today
[Chorus:]
Spotlight, open up your eyes and see
Spotlight, shining out for you and me
Spotlight, this world is yours and mine
Spotlight, this is your chance to shine
Don't stand in the corner waiting for the chance
Make your own music start your own dance
When you feel the rhythm, I'll be by your side
Now you have the power baby love is on your side
Everybody wants to shine
Don't stand in the sideline, step into the light
But it's got to come from inside
Listen to your heart and step into the
[Chorus]
Don't be afraid to fall
I'll hear you when you call
And I'll be right here by your side
Don't be afraid to try
Everybody is a star
It's got to come from the heart
Spotlight, this world is yours and mine
Spotlight, this is your chance to shine
Don't be afraid to fall
I'll hear you when you call
And I'll be right here by your side
Don't be afraid to try
Everybody wants to shine
Don't stand in the sideline, step into the light
But it's got to come from inside
Listen to heart and step into the light
Don't be afraid to fall
I'll hear you when you call
And I'll be right here by your side
Don't be afraid to try
[Chorus]
Everybody is a star, you know who you are
This is your chance to shine
It's got to come from the heart, do it right from the start
And step into the light
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
Spotlight Lyrics as written by Madonna Ciccone Curtis Hudson
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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.
Fast Car
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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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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/
This song is so positive and fun to dance to. I love it. Everybody's a star. That's enough for me!
Spotlight is Madonna's song to all of us-Her Audience. She is writing the son to and for us. We are singing Spotlight back to her. Madonna will always Live to Tell and be a Ray of Light to the world because she has a happy outlook about her life. She will Forever Touch Our Souls and Open Our Hearts in Her Music. Madonna Forever. The Ciccone Spotlight is Hers-and Hers Alone. Hail Madonna, Full of Grace! Amen, my brilliant lady!