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.
We are damned and we are dead
All God's children to be sent
To our perfect place in the sun
And in the dirt
There's a windshield in my heart
We are bugs so smeared and scarred
And could you stop the meat from thinking
Before I swallow all of it
Could you, please?
Put me in the motorcade
Put me in the death parade
Dress me up and take me
Dress me up and make me your dying God
Angels with needles
Poke through our eyes
And let the ugly light
World in
We were no longer blind
We were no longer blind
Put me in the motorcade
Put me in the death parade
Dress me up and take me
Dress me up and make me your dying God
Now we hold the "ugly head"
The Mary-whore is at the bed
They've cast the shadow of our perfect death
In the sun and in the dirt
All God's children to be sent
To our perfect place in the sun
And in the dirt
There's a windshield in my heart
We are bugs so smeared and scarred
And could you stop the meat from thinking
Before I swallow all of it
Could you, please?
Put me in the motorcade
Put me in the death parade
Dress me up and take me
Dress me up and make me your dying God
Angels with needles
Poke through our eyes
And let the ugly light
World in
We were no longer blind
We were no longer blind
Put me in the motorcade
Put me in the death parade
Dress me up and take me
Dress me up and make me your dying God
Now we hold the "ugly head"
The Mary-whore is at the bed
They've cast the shadow of our perfect death
In the sun and in the dirt
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
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.
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.
errr...hmm...I am not sure how to put it. I TRULY am surprised that the philledelphia eagles dude hasn't come here to piss in our cheerio's...
Well, I haven't seen the unholy one's video's YET but I think that he is saying the whole Idea of a forgiving and loving god is "dressed up and dying"...I don't know if that is what he means,but thats sort of how I take it... ~Olivia~