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.
I Look out the Window, I see the sun in the sky, for now,
It is not for me
Stories of old times, Black Book of Lies with no reason nor rhymes
No secrets, no disguise
Colour of the jealousy that hangs over thee
Why don't you believe, You still do not know me
Books of true tales, Mirrors of tragedy
Remorseful and pale
As always
These news travel fast
Walking cross snowfields, how can I trust in this path I leave
Fading behind me
Pleading not guilty. It´s in the nature of humankind
Installed in a man child
Life can do it in many ways, toss dirt on your face
But I am your man, and for you I do all I can
Repeat chorus
Standing on the station, watching your train slowly disappear
I´m only shell of a man, I thought you knew who I am
Solos
But go ahead and blame the fool
You have beliefs that aren't true
I have not lived the life you read from
The books of true tales, Mirrors of tragedy
My life is no game
It's a real shame the false news travel fast
Why do you keep me in the agony?
"The Book of true tales"
How can you hate and keep me in this agony?
"The Mirror of tragedy"
I haven't lied, I haven't cheated!
"The Book of true tales"
What do you think? What do you see when you look in
"The Mirror of tragedy"
And I'm still your man, and for you I do all I can
Books of true tales, Mirrors of tragedy
Remorseful and pale
As in past, these news travel fast
The books of true tales, Mirrors of tragedy
My life is no game
It's a real shame the false news travel fast
It is not for me
Stories of old times, Black Book of Lies with no reason nor rhymes
No secrets, no disguise
Colour of the jealousy that hangs over thee
Why don't you believe, You still do not know me
Books of true tales, Mirrors of tragedy
Remorseful and pale
As always
These news travel fast
Walking cross snowfields, how can I trust in this path I leave
Fading behind me
Pleading not guilty. It´s in the nature of humankind
Installed in a man child
Life can do it in many ways, toss dirt on your face
But I am your man, and for you I do all I can
Repeat chorus
Standing on the station, watching your train slowly disappear
I´m only shell of a man, I thought you knew who I am
Solos
But go ahead and blame the fool
You have beliefs that aren't true
I have not lived the life you read from
The books of true tales, Mirrors of tragedy
My life is no game
It's a real shame the false news travel fast
Why do you keep me in the agony?
"The Book of true tales"
How can you hate and keep me in this agony?
"The Mirror of tragedy"
I haven't lied, I haven't cheated!
"The Book of true tales"
What do you think? What do you see when you look in
"The Mirror of tragedy"
And I'm still your man, and for you I do all I can
Books of true tales, Mirrors of tragedy
Remorseful and pale
As in past, these news travel fast
The books of true tales, Mirrors of tragedy
My life is no game
It's a real shame the false news travel fast
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Light Up The Sky
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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.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
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.
Maybe this song is about rumors and lies someone spread concerning the lyrical ego?
But go ahead and blame the fool You have beliefs that aren´t true
Seems quite clear to me.