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.
Somebody told me that I always have to bow
If that was true I would have fallen apart by now
The more you think, the less you act their ways
So can you hear this, the fake sound of progress
Never reason with a fool, but is that unkind,
Looks like I lost my mind once again
I know it all sounds so contrived, but its got to me
You know I've got to be more than this
Don't frown, don't scorn, cus I walk a different street to you
You look so worn, I bet that life is has got you blown
But it will never get to mee
Somebody told me that I always have to bow
If that was true I would have fallen apart by now
The more you think, the less you act their ways
So can you hear this, the fake sound of progress
And I feel the way you hold, hold me back from this
Chances that I've missed, now their gone
Apathy is all I sense, the feelings too intense
Sitting on a fence and can't decide
Don't frown, don't scorn, cus I walk a different street to you
You look so worn, I bet that life is has got you blown
No body will ever get to me
Somebody told me that I always have to bow
If that was true I would have fallen apart by now
The more you think, the less you act their ways
So can you hear this, the fake sound of progress
All these words that I accounted for, never fear another day
Always charged but I need more, make me take away
Tell me now, can you hear the sound
Of all these people falling down
Growing back into the ground let me smile again...
Smile
Tell me now can you hear the sound, of the record spinning
Round and round, for on and on it sounds like the same old
Song that I keep singing, it sounds like
Dah dah dah dah (yeahyeah sounds like) dah dah dah dah
(all these words that I accounted for, I'll never fear another day)
Somebody told me that I always have to bow
If that was true I would have fallen apart by now
The more you think, the less you act their ways
So can you hear this, the fake sound of progress
Yeah yeah yeah progress
Make me smile again
(the fake sound of progress)
If that was true I would have fallen apart by now
The more you think, the less you act their ways
So can you hear this, the fake sound of progress
Never reason with a fool, but is that unkind,
Looks like I lost my mind once again
I know it all sounds so contrived, but its got to me
You know I've got to be more than this
Don't frown, don't scorn, cus I walk a different street to you
You look so worn, I bet that life is has got you blown
But it will never get to mee
Somebody told me that I always have to bow
If that was true I would have fallen apart by now
The more you think, the less you act their ways
So can you hear this, the fake sound of progress
And I feel the way you hold, hold me back from this
Chances that I've missed, now their gone
Apathy is all I sense, the feelings too intense
Sitting on a fence and can't decide
Don't frown, don't scorn, cus I walk a different street to you
You look so worn, I bet that life is has got you blown
No body will ever get to me
Somebody told me that I always have to bow
If that was true I would have fallen apart by now
The more you think, the less you act their ways
So can you hear this, the fake sound of progress
All these words that I accounted for, never fear another day
Always charged but I need more, make me take away
Tell me now, can you hear the sound
Of all these people falling down
Growing back into the ground let me smile again...
Smile
Tell me now can you hear the sound, of the record spinning
Round and round, for on and on it sounds like the same old
Song that I keep singing, it sounds like
Dah dah dah dah (yeahyeah sounds like) dah dah dah dah
(all these words that I accounted for, I'll never fear another day)
Somebody told me that I always have to bow
If that was true I would have fallen apart by now
The more you think, the less you act their ways
So can you hear this, the fake sound of progress
Yeah yeah yeah progress
Make me smile again
(the fake sound of progress)
Lyrics submitted by VodkaGurl45
The Fake Sound of Progress Lyrics as written by Lee Gaze Ian Watkins
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
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.
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/
Yeah i remember you did a lot of work jordan, had em all pretty accurate too. Good job man. Dont know where you found it all.