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.
My mama showed me how to rock in the cradle
But I learned how to roll along
My papa said "son, gotta git some fun
Cos when you're old it ain't too good on your own"
Been so long, since you heard my song
Gonna pick up my guitar 'n' play
Felt so bad when I had to leave you
But, I knew that I'd be back some day
So I'm comin' home
To give you more than you bargained for
Comin' home
No mistake, I'm gonna shiver 'n' shake
Comin' home
Gonna rock 'n' roll an' give you my soul
Comin' home
I got over the pain, I'm comin' home again
Groovin' to American Bandstand
B.B. onstage with 'Lucille'
The thrill is gone, but it won't be for long
Cos you know I like to play how I feel
Now that we're all back together
Gonna shiver 'n' shake all night
I just gotta say, the music I play
Will sure 'nough make you feel alright
Tho' I learned how to rock in the cradle
An' rollin' came so easy to me
All the years I travelled the world
Made it so clear to see
It's been so long since you heard my song
Gonna pick up my guitar 'n' play
Felt so bad when I had to leave you
But I knew that I'd be back some day
Comin' home
To give you more than you bargained for
Comin' home
No mistake, I'm gonna shiver and shake
Comin' home
Gonna rock 'n' roll and give you my soul
Comin' home
I got over the pain, I'm comin' home again
Comin' home
Shiver 'n' shakin', anticpatin'
Comin' home
The thrill is gone but it won't be for long
But I learned how to roll along
My papa said "son, gotta git some fun
Cos when you're old it ain't too good on your own"
Been so long, since you heard my song
Gonna pick up my guitar 'n' play
Felt so bad when I had to leave you
But, I knew that I'd be back some day
So I'm comin' home
To give you more than you bargained for
Comin' home
No mistake, I'm gonna shiver 'n' shake
Comin' home
Gonna rock 'n' roll an' give you my soul
Comin' home
I got over the pain, I'm comin' home again
Groovin' to American Bandstand
B.B. onstage with 'Lucille'
The thrill is gone, but it won't be for long
Cos you know I like to play how I feel
Now that we're all back together
Gonna shiver 'n' shake all night
I just gotta say, the music I play
Will sure 'nough make you feel alright
Tho' I learned how to rock in the cradle
An' rollin' came so easy to me
All the years I travelled the world
Made it so clear to see
It's been so long since you heard my song
Gonna pick up my guitar 'n' play
Felt so bad when I had to leave you
But I knew that I'd be back some day
Comin' home
To give you more than you bargained for
Comin' home
No mistake, I'm gonna shiver and shake
Comin' home
Gonna rock 'n' roll and give you my soul
Comin' home
I got over the pain, I'm comin' home again
Comin' home
Shiver 'n' shakin', anticpatin'
Comin' home
The thrill is gone but it won't be for long
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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.
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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
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.
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/
I'm just wondering how many folks here are aware that the bass guitar in this stellar track was played by Tommy Bolin?