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.
Sometimes I walk around town lookin' at faces
Wonderin' why their bodies go to silly places
Walkin' past the carpet mills
Lookin' in and takin' stills
Your ass it draws me in
Like a Bermuda highway
Oh, don't carve me out!
Don't let your silly dreams
Fall in between
The crack of the bed and the wall
Two times I fell asleep in a dirty basement
Snoozing in cobwebs and the cement
Sometimes I wonder why that meek guy
Got all the fame
Maybe I'm to blame
For his short bitter fucked up life
Oh, don't carve me out!
Don't let your silly dreams
Fall in between
The crack of the bed and the wall
Wonderin' why their bodies go to silly places
Walkin' past the carpet mills
Lookin' in and takin' stills
Your ass it draws me in
Like a Bermuda highway
Oh, don't carve me out!
Don't let your silly dreams
Fall in between
The crack of the bed and the wall
Two times I fell asleep in a dirty basement
Snoozing in cobwebs and the cement
Sometimes I wonder why that meek guy
Got all the fame
Maybe I'm to blame
For his short bitter fucked up life
Oh, don't carve me out!
Don't let your silly dreams
Fall in between
The crack of the bed and the wall
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
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/
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.
I think "Sometimes I wonder why that meek guy got all the fame Maybe I'm to blame for his short, bitter, fucked-up life"
is referring to one of his "dreams" that he didn't follow through with or pay attention to. He is responsible for the "short fucked up life" because he disregarded it instead of keeping track of his "silly dreams."
I have no idea why this songs hits me in the gut. But, it does.... The more I listen to it the more it makes me cry. I think it is soooooooo beautiful. I love his voice and the tune. I guess it makes me remember to never give up hope and always have faith in your dreams and keep your child-like sense of wonder..... Even when you feel like you've just lost your best friend.
That 'meek guy' he's referring to is Jesus, and the singer is wondering if all the listless wandering and general directionlessness described at the beginning of the song is in fact what Jesus died for.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not pushing this as a christian type song. I think the opposite actually, like, what are all these people doing, their actions seem so silly, and yet here I am, waking up in a basement.
I don't know, I haven't fully flushed out this one and there're a lot of mysterious lines. It's a beautiful song regardless. Christopher Denny does a wonderful cover.
Sounds like an ass not eyes, and good for Jim. I’m an ass man myself, fuck the poetry and beautifully somber mood this song resonates, it’s an ass song hahaha
@TomThumb681 ????????????????
I am extremely surprised this song has no comments. It's really great. One of the most calming pieces of music I know of.
Hey Mr. Theo Reo I 'm really surprised too. This song's great...reminds me of good feelings. But what is it about ? In my opinion, that verse "Don't let your silly..." is an invite not to waste dreams , even if silly, could be?
i think, if anything, the chorus is just an invitation to not lose your childish sense of wonder.
to me this song is about the singer's yearning for something in his life.. and his disbelief that "that meek guy" achieved fame.
wow, i agree with all of you. i'm listening to this now and its so peaceful. one of the best things to hit my ears...
god it's beautiful