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've got a crazy little mama
Lord, she's my heart and soul
I don't even have to tell ya
She knows how to rock and roll
Well this crazy lovin' mama
Makin' everything all right
I don't even have to tell ya
She makes things seem outta sight
All right
Whenever I'm down
And nothing's going right at all
I just think about my baby
And all I've got to do is call
When the evening's looking pretty
And the day's hanging out too long
I know my baby cares about me
Right or wrong
It took a long time to find her
It took a lot of laughs and tears
It took a long time to find her
It took me 22 years
I've got a crazy little mama
Said, Lord, she's my heart and soul
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
I don't even have to tell ya
She knows how to rock and roll
Well this crazy lovin' mama
Makin' everything all right
Yeah
I don't even have to tell ya
She makes things seem outta sight
All right
It took a long time to find her
It took a lot of laughs and tears
It took a long time to find her
It took me 22 years
Oh my
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
Lord, she's my heart and soul
I don't even have to tell ya
She knows how to rock and roll
Well this crazy lovin' mama
Makin' everything all right
I don't even have to tell ya
She makes things seem outta sight
All right
Whenever I'm down
And nothing's going right at all
I just think about my baby
And all I've got to do is call
When the evening's looking pretty
And the day's hanging out too long
I know my baby cares about me
Right or wrong
It took a long time to find her
It took a lot of laughs and tears
It took a long time to find her
It took me 22 years
I've got a crazy little mama
Said, Lord, she's my heart and soul
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
I don't even have to tell ya
She knows how to rock and roll
Well this crazy lovin' mama
Makin' everything all right
Yeah
I don't even have to tell ya
She makes things seem outta sight
All right
It took a long time to find her
It took a lot of laughs and tears
It took a long time to find her
It took me 22 years
Oh my
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
[Verse 1: Dennis DeYoung and James Young] I've got a crazy little mama Lord, she's my heart and soul I don't even have to tell ya She knows how to rock and roll
Well this crazy lovin' mama Makin' everything all right I don't even have to tell ya She makes things seem outta sight All right
[Verse 2: Dennis DeYoung and James Young] Whenever I'm down And nothing's going right at all I just think about my baby And all I've got to do is call
When the evening's looking pretty And the day's hanging out too long I know my baby cares about me Right or wrong
[Chorus] It took a long time to find her It took a lot of laughs and tears It took a long time to find her It took me... 22 years
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 3: Dennis DeYoung and James Young] I've got a crazy little mama Said, lord, she's my heart and soul Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah I don't even have to tell ya She know's how to rock and roll
Well this crazy lovin' mama Makin' everything all right Yeah I don't even have to tell ya She makes things seem outta sight All right
[Chorus] It took a long time to find her It took a lot of laughs and tears It took a long time to find her It took me... 22 years Oh my
[Outro x7] 22 years
I know every damn Styx song ever written, and this ain't one of them! Man, they must be sticking all the songs from the band's solos into the band itself! That's just not cool.
Actually, this is a Styx band song. It's from "The Serpent is Rising," one of their early Wooden Nickel albums. If you like Styx, especially their earlier stuff, you should listen to their Wooden Nickel recordings, because there are a few songs that should be rediscovered.
OS Was Here, Although Dennis and J.Y. share the vocals on this song, it was actually written by co-member John (J.C.) Curulewski. I am guessing that the song was dedicated to his then-wife Janice. And it may also be him that does the lead guitar on the song. And as gillusion mentions, it is from 'The Serpent Is Rising' LP. Styx did have a different sound prior to Tommy Shaw during the 'Wooden Nickel' days.