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.
Sittin' at a stop sign
Lookin' for a friend of mine
Waitin' to salute the flag
Talkin' to some he/she
Slidin' over next to me
Man, she said, this life is a drag
It's a shaky situation
And I'm hangin' on my will
And I get no satisfaction
From a hundred dollar bill
But I got what I came for
And I'll do it 'til I drop
You do what you want to do
I ain't never gonna stop
You say you got somethin' that makes you feel good
And you can't stop messin' with it
All your life you've been so misunderstood
'Cause you can't stop messin' with it
Sittin' by the seashore
Dreamin' 'bout a little more
Circlin' the classifieds
Nine seven six
Man I need another fix
I'll never have to kiss the bride
Yeah, the city is a war zone
This country gone to hell
And the beer cans in the alley
From the rich folks on the hill
They're screamin' hallelujah
But I don't give a damn
'Cause I got my own religion
Yeah, it's right here in my hand
Lookin' for a friend of mine
Waitin' to salute the flag
Talkin' to some he/she
Slidin' over next to me
Man, she said, this life is a drag
It's a shaky situation
And I'm hangin' on my will
And I get no satisfaction
From a hundred dollar bill
But I got what I came for
And I'll do it 'til I drop
You do what you want to do
I ain't never gonna stop
You say you got somethin' that makes you feel good
And you can't stop messin' with it
All your life you've been so misunderstood
'Cause you can't stop messin' with it
Sittin' by the seashore
Dreamin' 'bout a little more
Circlin' the classifieds
Nine seven six
Man I need another fix
I'll never have to kiss the bride
Yeah, the city is a war zone
This country gone to hell
And the beer cans in the alley
From the rich folks on the hill
They're screamin' hallelujah
But I don't give a damn
'Cause I got my own religion
Yeah, it's right here in my hand
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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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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
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,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
The point of view is from a rich boy who has all his inheritance to burn on blow jobs by she-male prostitutes ("he/she sliding over next to me", "waiting to salute the flag") and sex phone lines ("976, man I need another fix"). Typical of rich kids, he has everything handed to him so he is bored (a pun with "this life is a drag"); he has nothing better to do than fulfill his sexual fetishes. The world around him is a disaster ("the city is a war zone, this country gone to hell") and the rich conservatives are singing the same old moral tune ("they're screamin' hallelujah"). He has heard it before and does not care. Like everyone else his age, he has his own religion -- his own self-absorbed self which he fulfills through masturbation ("can't stop messin' with it", "right here in my hand"). Besides poignant lyrics disguised in typical Aerosmith style fashion, the instruments are superb. The best part, besides the main riff which actually sounds like jerking off, is the intrumental interlude with the cool rhythm in the background as the solo plays. A great tune.