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.
What went down by the side of the road?
What I saw at the edge of the sea.
Only those elements time cannot wear,
And they follow What slipped out through the cracks in time?
What takes out the color in me?
What awaits beyond infinity?
Beyond and to all time I stand.
Of the wind, with the great gale,
What went down the falling leaves?
What came forth from the remains?
What is always lived and gone unseen?
What has caused the night to fall?
Who speaks of eternity?
Who awakes tonight eternally?
Beyond and to all time i stand.
I stand, You had to ask (?)
Woah Oh Oh Whoah Oh,
I stand Woah Oh Oh Whoah,
and to all time Woah Oh Oh Whoah Go! (?)
(This is pretty much what it sounds like to me and is fairly typical of Davey's lyrics)
(Whispering)
de profundis clamavi o my sole love, i pray thee pity me from out this dark gulf where my poor heart lies, a baren world hemmed in by leaden skies where horror flies at night, and blasphemy. for half the year the sickly sun is seen, the other half thick night lies on the land, a country bleaker than the polar strand; no beasts, no brooks, nor any shred of green. there never was a horror which surpassed this icy sun's cold cruelty, and this vast night like primeval chaos; would i were like the dumb brutes, who in a secret lair lie wrapt in stupid slumber for a space... time creeps at so burdensome a pace
What I saw at the edge of the sea.
Only those elements time cannot wear,
And they follow What slipped out through the cracks in time?
What takes out the color in me?
What awaits beyond infinity?
Beyond and to all time I stand.
Of the wind, with the great gale,
What went down the falling leaves?
What came forth from the remains?
What is always lived and gone unseen?
What has caused the night to fall?
Who speaks of eternity?
Who awakes tonight eternally?
Beyond and to all time i stand.
I stand, You had to ask (?)
Woah Oh Oh Whoah Oh,
I stand Woah Oh Oh Whoah,
and to all time Woah Oh Oh Whoah Go! (?)
(This is pretty much what it sounds like to me and is fairly typical of Davey's lyrics)
(Whispering)
de profundis clamavi o my sole love, i pray thee pity me from out this dark gulf where my poor heart lies, a baren world hemmed in by leaden skies where horror flies at night, and blasphemy. for half the year the sickly sun is seen, the other half thick night lies on the land, a country bleaker than the polar strand; no beasts, no brooks, nor any shred of green. there never was a horror which surpassed this icy sun's cold cruelty, and this vast night like primeval chaos; would i were like the dumb brutes, who in a secret lair lie wrapt in stupid slumber for a space... time creeps at so burdensome a pace
Lyrics submitted by oofus
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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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/
All the lyrics (including the Baudelaire poem) are on the AFI website. The Days of the Pheonix bassline is pretty easy and sounds great. Midnight Sun is one of the best bonus tracks ever and one of the band`s favourite songs to play live.