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.
Something moving in my backyard
Left a matchbook as a calling card
Tried to follow
The trail went dry
By a phone booth
So I went inside
Underneath the receiver
You left behind
A fingerprint
Two hours later
A car went by
It's a long shot
But it caught my eye
I've been driving around all day
In the same spot
Getting further away
I was paying a meter
You left behind
A fingerprint
One of a kind
No mistaking it
It's one of a kind
A perfect negative
One of a kind
Nearly positive
It was you
Came to by a gray stone wall
By a red door down a long hall
I was tripping on my own feet
And the floor felt like a trampoline
I was thinking the worst might
Be left behind
A fingerprint
A fingerprint
It's all over me
One of a kind
One of a kind
Nearly positive
One of a kind
No mistaking it
Uh-huh
That was you
Something moving in my backyard
Left a phone booth as a calling card
Tried to follow
The trail went dry
By a matchbook
So I went inside
Underneath the receiver
You left behind
Your fingerprint
You left behind
A fingerprint
You left behind
A fingerprint
You left behind
Left a matchbook as a calling card
Tried to follow
The trail went dry
By a phone booth
So I went inside
Underneath the receiver
You left behind
A fingerprint
Two hours later
A car went by
It's a long shot
But it caught my eye
I've been driving around all day
In the same spot
Getting further away
I was paying a meter
You left behind
A fingerprint
One of a kind
No mistaking it
It's one of a kind
A perfect negative
One of a kind
Nearly positive
It was you
Came to by a gray stone wall
By a red door down a long hall
I was tripping on my own feet
And the floor felt like a trampoline
I was thinking the worst might
Be left behind
A fingerprint
A fingerprint
It's all over me
One of a kind
One of a kind
Nearly positive
One of a kind
No mistaking it
Uh-huh
That was you
Something moving in my backyard
Left a phone booth as a calling card
Tried to follow
The trail went dry
By a matchbook
So I went inside
Underneath the receiver
You left behind
Your fingerprint
You left behind
A fingerprint
You left behind
A fingerprint
You left behind
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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.
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 think it sounds like someone describing to detectives what happened. And then detective found fingerprints all over.