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.
Down here we're caught under the waste of our dilutions that fell among the quake.
Help me try to understand the great diversion that came and tore us down.
Lean onto me, lean into you.
Comfort I once knew slowly disappears.
Reverberate, shaking at the core.
Holding up your own by letting go our grasp.
Don't say a thing, don't move a word.
Shallow like your breath you hold while you're under these lights that bury you.
We claw and mark like animals,
They show the scars we hide too well.
Notice you're awake dreaming while you walk.
Halls we create, are closing in on us.
You're tired so let's turn the lights out.
You're tired so let's shut it off.
It's time to count all the victims that were caught in our last explosion.
We are the couple called suicide.
We are the red cross white flag.
You're tired so let's turn the lights out,
You're tired so let's shut it off.
Help me try to understand the great diversion that came and tore us down.
Lean onto me, lean into you.
Comfort I once knew slowly disappears.
Reverberate, shaking at the core.
Holding up your own by letting go our grasp.
Don't say a thing, don't move a word.
Shallow like your breath you hold while you're under these lights that bury you.
We claw and mark like animals,
They show the scars we hide too well.
Notice you're awake dreaming while you walk.
Halls we create, are closing in on us.
You're tired so let's turn the lights out.
You're tired so let's shut it off.
It's time to count all the victims that were caught in our last explosion.
We are the couple called suicide.
We are the red cross white flag.
You're tired so let's turn the lights out,
You're tired so let's shut it off.
Lyrics submitted by justreed, edited by The Withered Grave
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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.
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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/
i agree, this song is powerful and beautiful without being cheezy or predictable. to me its about letting go of a relationship that was never meant to be.
This is one of the greatest songs I have ever heard in my entire life. It's really ironic, because I have not ever had the chance to really understand the lyrics. I made the mistake of burning this cd, and not actually buying it yet. I love Elliott as a band, and as real people who are not afraid of who they are. Shallow like your breath made me cry even before I knew the words. Thank God for this website. I've found every song that I wanted so far. Rock on.
there is only one word that i can use to describe this song..........."wow"
anyone seen elliott live? they did this song at my show and i loooved it. it was so great. and i also got a glimse at the new record because they played a new song! mwahahaha
This is my all time favorite song from Elliott. It's so powerful and calming.. This is such an inspiring band..
agreed.
I admire this band and their talents for making such music. They have their own sound and they pull off the right vibes.. This song is powerful.. and even a personal favorite.
this song speaks to me unlike any other. i want to have sex listening to this song. as well for someone who has experiance in a relationship as described here, i know how tough this is and how really sad it is.
this song speaks to me unlike any other. i want to have sex listening to this song. as well for someone who has experiance in a relationship as described here, i know how tough this is and how really sad it is.
this song speaks to me unlike any other. i want to have sex listening to this song. as well for someone who has experiance in a relationship as described here, i know how tough this is and how really sad it is.