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.
A bit of you's the only drug I must abuse
A bit of you's the only substance I cannot refuse
When I walk on Spring
Beneath the stink a bit of you is all I smell
Upon the shelf a bit of you I ask, "They sell?"
When I walk on Spring
Cause there ain't no style
No there ain't no style
Cause there ain't no style
And in fact there is just one other problem
You live up in Harlem
Of course I had no knowledge of this at the time
That came après July on the Upper West Side
Waiting for the fall
When from the Battery on up to your front door
From mother ship the rocket launching twister whores
Would blow up it all
Cause there ain't no style
No there ain't no style
Cause there ain't no style
And in fact there is just one other problem
I would have spared Harlem
Affections sent, straight to Chekhov, say you need me
Don't you need me, wait I thought we were on Broadway
No, my daddy said so, "Still outside of Moscow."
Affections sent, straight to Chekhov, say you need me
Don't you need me, wait I thought we were on Broadway
No, my daddy said so, "Still outside of Moscow."
And so the days creep up to my big final show
And not a word from you, the hours I must blow
So I walk and see
Upon the streets a faded island, press on eyes
A big old pool of you, zillions I realize
And just one of me
Cause there ain't no style
No there ain't no style
Cause there ain't no style
And in fact there is just one other problem
You've infected Harlem
Guess I won't be waiting, several hours
Before nightfall for that A train,
just the hiss of the Dune's band playin'.
A bit of you's the only substance I cannot refuse
When I walk on Spring
Beneath the stink a bit of you is all I smell
Upon the shelf a bit of you I ask, "They sell?"
When I walk on Spring
Cause there ain't no style
No there ain't no style
Cause there ain't no style
And in fact there is just one other problem
You live up in Harlem
Of course I had no knowledge of this at the time
That came après July on the Upper West Side
Waiting for the fall
When from the Battery on up to your front door
From mother ship the rocket launching twister whores
Would blow up it all
Cause there ain't no style
No there ain't no style
Cause there ain't no style
And in fact there is just one other problem
I would have spared Harlem
Affections sent, straight to Chekhov, say you need me
Don't you need me, wait I thought we were on Broadway
No, my daddy said so, "Still outside of Moscow."
Affections sent, straight to Chekhov, say you need me
Don't you need me, wait I thought we were on Broadway
No, my daddy said so, "Still outside of Moscow."
And so the days creep up to my big final show
And not a word from you, the hours I must blow
So I walk and see
Upon the streets a faded island, press on eyes
A big old pool of you, zillions I realize
And just one of me
Cause there ain't no style
No there ain't no style
Cause there ain't no style
And in fact there is just one other problem
You've infected Harlem
Guess I won't be waiting, several hours
Before nightfall for that A train,
just the hiss of the Dune's band playin'.
Lyrics submitted by ang, edited by Jayneisflying
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
I didn't listen to this song much at first, but it's really begun to grow on me. I'm not entirely sure what this song is about. It's obvious referring to an addiction of some sort, whether it be drugs, alcohol, or a person. I think this may be one of those songs that means one thing when it's written, and something entirely different to the listener. But that's what I love about his music. It can be interpreted and applied in many different ways.