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.
Been hidin' out
And layin' low
It's nothing new ta me
Well you can always find a place to go
If you can keep your sanity
They break down the doors
And they rape my rights but
They won't touch me
They scream and yell
And fight all night
You can't tell me
I lose my head
I close my eyes
They won't touch me
'Cause I got somethin'
I been buildin' up inside
For so fuckin' long
They're out ta get me
They won't catch me
I'm fucking innocent
They won't break me
Sometimes it's easy to forget where you're goin'
Sometimes it's harder to leave
And every time you think you know just what you're doin'
That's when your troubles exceed
They push me in a corner
Just to get me to fight but
They won't touch me
They preach and yell and fight all night
You can't tell me
I lose my head
I close my eyes
They won't touch me
'Cause I got somethin' I been buildin' up inside
I'm already gone!
They're out ta get me
They won't catch me
I'm innocent
They won't break me
Some people got a chip on their shoulder
And some would say it was me
But I didn't buy that a fifth of whiskey that you gave me
So I'd be quick to disagree
They're out to get me
They won't catch me
I'm fucking innocent
They won't break me
They're out to get me
They won't catch me
'Cause I'm innocent
So, you can suck me
Take that one to heart
And layin' low
It's nothing new ta me
Well you can always find a place to go
If you can keep your sanity
They break down the doors
And they rape my rights but
They won't touch me
They scream and yell
And fight all night
You can't tell me
I lose my head
I close my eyes
They won't touch me
'Cause I got somethin'
I been buildin' up inside
For so fuckin' long
They're out ta get me
They won't catch me
I'm fucking innocent
They won't break me
Sometimes it's easy to forget where you're goin'
Sometimes it's harder to leave
And every time you think you know just what you're doin'
That's when your troubles exceed
They push me in a corner
Just to get me to fight but
They won't touch me
They preach and yell and fight all night
You can't tell me
I lose my head
I close my eyes
They won't touch me
'Cause I got somethin' I been buildin' up inside
I'm already gone!
They're out ta get me
They won't catch me
I'm innocent
They won't break me
Some people got a chip on their shoulder
And some would say it was me
But I didn't buy that a fifth of whiskey that you gave me
So I'd be quick to disagree
They're out to get me
They won't catch me
I'm fucking innocent
They won't break me
They're out to get me
They won't catch me
'Cause I'm innocent
So, you can suck me
Take that one to heart
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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.
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
It's not a well known song, but it's definitely a good one. One of my favourites from Appetite For Destruction :)
This is a great song leaning towards citizen vs. law enforcement. Anyone who has ever been bulldozed by the law can appreciate the lyrics and relate to this song.
I love this song...it's got one of my all-time favorite quotes... Sometimes it's easy to forget where you're goin' Sometimes it's harder to leave And evrytime you think you know just what you're doin' That's when your troubles exceed
Yeah this is one of my favorites from Appetite For Destruction, it has sweet lyrics and a nice chorus.
This song is about Axl's trouble with the police. "They won't catch me" obviously it's about running away, and they (the police) won't catch Axl.
Hey I love this song to! The meaning is about when Axl was just an innocent kid while he suffered physical and sexual abuse from his fathers and observed his parents constantly fighting.
oh geez mate, i love this song i only really noticed how good it was and the message is so strong in it and i always thought it was "out ta get me" but anyway great song and just love it
if anyone is giving you shit listen to this song, bloody fantastic
yo rorster r u brittish? any way this is the best song GNR has ever put the beat is awsome and the words are really sick. its kind of unkown but is with out a dought their best song next to night train also not to well known.
I love Guns N' Roses. The vocals, the guitar, the bass, and the drums are just fantastic in this song. My favorite.
I always thought this song was about the police and I have thought so for years however now looking into it, could it be a song about chastidy, if it were i'm sure they wouldn't admit it.