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.
I wish for peace between the races
Someday we shall all be one
Why fight yourself?
This one's called Rectify
There's something coming to the surface
There's fire all around
But this is all illusion
I've seen better days than this one
I've seen better nights than this one
Tension is rebuilding
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
Someday, we shall all be one
Jesus Christ, we're nice
Someday we shall all be one
Why fight yourself?
This one's called Rectify
There's something coming to the surface
There's fire all around
But this is all illusion
I've seen better days than this one
I've seen better nights than this one
Tension is rebuilding
Something's got to give
Something's got to give
Someday, we shall all be one
Jesus Christ, we're nice
Lyrics submitted by The Marine
Something's Got to Give Lyrics as written by Adam Nathaniel Yauch Adam Horovitz
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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"'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/
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Page
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This song seems to document the spiritual awakening of Yauch. The video has a lot of horrible examples of human nature until you get to the part where Yauch smashes his own handgun with a sledge hammer, ensuring that it would never be used on another human being. The look on his face is one of genuine joy & relief. Just another unusual topic for a hip hop song that goes completely against the grain. The Beasties had no trouble expressing ideas like this. It definitely didn't gain them any popularity. I don't remember any of the singles from Check Your Head being popular at all. So What'cha Want did well years later after Sabotage. Make no mistake, this was a huge risk for them. But as always it worked. 20 years later, I still believe Check Your Head hasn't yet found it's full audience. This whole album is truly a masterpiece with timeless hip hop & ideas that came from the heart.