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.
Orange and blue, green and pink
I see you in everything
Don't need money, don't need wine
I've got better ways to spend my time
I'll see you around
Every hollow has its favorite sound
And my heart is holding on
Purple, yellow, reddish-brown
Once I felt you, I couldn't lay you down
Don't be shy, baby, don't be careful with me
Let it go, let it soak me down
I'll see you around
Every hollow has its favorite sound
Every rock and tree and leaf abound with your face
Don't tell me I've been wrong
Don't tell me all the magic's gone
I'll see you around
Every hollow has its favorite sound
I'll see you around
Every corner has its favorite clown
I'll see you around
I'll see you
I'll see you
I see you in everything
Don't need money, don't need wine
I've got better ways to spend my time
I'll see you around
Every hollow has its favorite sound
And my heart is holding on
Purple, yellow, reddish-brown
Once I felt you, I couldn't lay you down
Don't be shy, baby, don't be careful with me
Let it go, let it soak me down
I'll see you around
Every hollow has its favorite sound
Every rock and tree and leaf abound with your face
Don't tell me I've been wrong
Don't tell me all the magic's gone
I'll see you around
Every hollow has its favorite sound
I'll see you around
Every corner has its favorite clown
I'll see you around
I'll see you
I'll see you
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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.
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/
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.
Wow, I can't believe no one commented on this song yet! Well Liz Phair songs are amazing, and this is no different. I think it's about someone who can't seem to stop thinking about someone, no matter what they see or what they try to do. Well this song is amazing, and I love it.
i agree. its like shes trying to hold on when the other person may not be too interested. i love the way liz writes, so it seems like nonsense but is so insightful.
i'm guessing it has something to do with her kid what with white chocolate space egg being the descrption she gave of what her babys head looked like when it was born.
wasn't this song on one of those m&m commercials, like the ones that are all psychodelic? This song is super
"Once I felt you, I couldn't lay you down
Don't be shy, baby, don't be careful with me Let it go, let it soak me down"
these lines always seemed kindof sexual to me, but i can't figure out what the song means
I really think this song is about her becoming a mother. She doesn't need money or wine, because she now has her son, and that love is all encompassing. She will literally see him all around her. It's a beautiful situation. =)
This is a beautiful song about the joys of motherhood.