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.
You're the one stepping on the back of my shoes
You're the one using me as a muse
You're the one with the jet pack strapped to your back ready to go
It's you and her and nobody else the lights are low and she's so ready
You're already on your way to the door
You're at the bar the tender gives you a free drink and winks, she's perfect
You sweat bullets, spill the drink and you leave
Everyone leaves the party except a gorgeous twenty something, you turn and run
You call me up
You're the one stepping on the back of my shoes
You're the one using me as a muse
You're the one with the jet pack strapped to your back ready to go
So the way you act, is it just an act or some strange courtship ritual
A habitual nervous reaction
Hey it's just me, set yourself free, why don't you let me know what's going on
Inside your cluttered head
You're the one stepping on the back of my shoes
You're the one using me as a muse
You're the one with the jet pack strapped to your back ready to go
What the hell are you talking about is that what you would say
If I were to wonder out loud would it make you turn away
Just a curious question
If it was you and me and nobody else would you want me to want to be ready to go
Would you want to take the lights down low
You're the one stepping on the back of my shoes
You're the one using me as a muse
You're the one with the jet pack strapped to your back ready to go
Hey it's just me, set yourself free, why don't you let me know what's going on
Hey it's just me, set yourself free
You're the one using me as a muse
You're the one with the jet pack strapped to your back ready to go
It's you and her and nobody else the lights are low and she's so ready
You're already on your way to the door
You're at the bar the tender gives you a free drink and winks, she's perfect
You sweat bullets, spill the drink and you leave
Everyone leaves the party except a gorgeous twenty something, you turn and run
You call me up
You're the one stepping on the back of my shoes
You're the one using me as a muse
You're the one with the jet pack strapped to your back ready to go
So the way you act, is it just an act or some strange courtship ritual
A habitual nervous reaction
Hey it's just me, set yourself free, why don't you let me know what's going on
Inside your cluttered head
You're the one stepping on the back of my shoes
You're the one using me as a muse
You're the one with the jet pack strapped to your back ready to go
What the hell are you talking about is that what you would say
If I were to wonder out loud would it make you turn away
Just a curious question
If it was you and me and nobody else would you want me to want to be ready to go
Would you want to take the lights down low
You're the one stepping on the back of my shoes
You're the one using me as a muse
You're the one with the jet pack strapped to your back ready to go
Hey it's just me, set yourself free, why don't you let me know what's going on
Hey it's just me, set yourself free
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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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
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,
Older song, I know, but still wanted to comment. This album was released about the time I came out to my family and friends. If anything it was a catalyst. The first person I told was a close male friend who I secretly had a crush on. Of course, I didn't tell him this when i told him I was gay, but I mentioned the song... about a year later he admitted he figured it out. Though nothing ever came of it, we're still close friends, and he still teases me with this song and that infamous line.