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.
Oh dirty Maggie Mae they have taken her away
And she never walk down Lime Street any more
Oh the judge he guilty found her
For robbing a homeward bounder
That dirty no good robbin' Maggie Mae
To the port of Liverpool
They returned me to
Two pounds ten a week, that was my pay
And she never walk down Lime Street any more
Oh the judge he guilty found her
For robbing a homeward bounder
That dirty no good robbin' Maggie Mae
To the port of Liverpool
They returned me to
Two pounds ten a week, that was my pay
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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.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
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Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
This is actually just a cover of a trad liverpool song, of which many references were made during the Get Back/Let It Be sessions. You can hear John frequently quoting trad song lines at the end and beginning of takes (Oh danny boy... etc) on both the live rooftop set and in the session tapes.
I really like this song, even though it is only about a minute long. Also, does anyone else think its about a prostitute that got arrested?
@reubenator To me it's more about a dirty rough living gal named Maggie Mae. She may have sold some now & then but I think she was more about getting over and snagging a freebie as ofter as & when ever she could.... Full time Hooker...I don't see it here...
@reubenator To me it's more about a dirty rough living gal named Maggie Mae. She may have sold some now & then but I think she was more about getting over and snagging a freebie as ofter as & when ever she could.... Full time Hooker...I don't see it here...
I really liek this song, too. And, reubenator, I also think it is a prostitute who got arrested. I mean, she'll never walk down limestreet anymore? I think that is pretty much talking about a prostitute.
i like its simplicity. im glad its on the let it be album because it gives a bit of comic releif to the albums line up. some things have to be fun.
@apple scruff I like how they laugh a little bit while doing the tune...makes me think of a few naughty boys doing something they know might be wrong....but gives it a shot anyway....
I enjoy the song as well. If anyone has seen the movie that was on NBC (I think that's the right network!) in 2000 for the 20th anniversary of John's passing, they use this song in it. The movie portrays John and the Beatles' lives from when John meets up with Paul at the Garden Fete through when they find out about being on the Ed Sullivan show in America. Obviously they leave out gaps of stuff because that's a long time frame, but he learns guitar from his mother to this song... I found that interesting.
@EyeMtheWalrus Know where can I find a copy of the broadcast? I have never heard that John learned this tune from his Mom...but I thought his Aunt raised him? Who knows, maybe his mom dropped in now & again? Absolutely Love the tune "Dirty Maggie Mae!"
This was an original Liverpool folk song, the original words can be found here myweb.tiscali.co.uk/gerry.jones/lpllyrics1.html
folk songs are interesting. I have always kinda like this song, it's strange in a way.
So I think we're to gather that Maggie Mae is a prostitute that took a guy's money without providing any services, and the reveal at the end is that the singer was the john.