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.
Go on and close your eyes, go on imagine me there
She got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Go on and close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
You never had to wait for nothing in your life
I guess wanting me must have been a steel blue knife
And when night after night the scent of passion would linger
You had to have the jewels wrapped around your finger
Now you keep running down the road in your midnight state of mind
Curiosity kills if you can't read the signs
Go on and close your eyes, imagine me there
She got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Go on and close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
Dancing with the wall made you bitter and sweet
There ain't much you can do when they just lay it at your feet
But you could tell by the song I wanted to be the one
Did you listen again when the damage was done
Now the paint's still wet in your do-it-by-number dream
Are you gonna tell me how it felt, will you tell me what it means
Go on and close your eyes, go on imagine me there
She got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Go on and close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
Was it want with no desire?
Was it smoke with no fire?
Did I say it doesn't rip me apart?
I lied
I'm sorry dear my hands are tied
Go on and close your eyes, go on imagine me there
She got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Go on and close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
Close your eyes, imagine me there
She's got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
It shouldn't bother you
Hey, hey, hey
It shouldn't bother you
Hey, hey, hey
It shouldn't bother you
It shouldn't bother you
She got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Go on and close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
You never had to wait for nothing in your life
I guess wanting me must have been a steel blue knife
And when night after night the scent of passion would linger
You had to have the jewels wrapped around your finger
Now you keep running down the road in your midnight state of mind
Curiosity kills if you can't read the signs
Go on and close your eyes, imagine me there
She got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Go on and close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
Dancing with the wall made you bitter and sweet
There ain't much you can do when they just lay it at your feet
But you could tell by the song I wanted to be the one
Did you listen again when the damage was done
Now the paint's still wet in your do-it-by-number dream
Are you gonna tell me how it felt, will you tell me what it means
Go on and close your eyes, go on imagine me there
She got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Go on and close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
Was it want with no desire?
Was it smoke with no fire?
Did I say it doesn't rip me apart?
I lied
I'm sorry dear my hands are tied
Go on and close your eyes, go on imagine me there
She got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Go on and close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
Close your eyes, imagine me there
She's got similar features with longer hair
And if that's what it takes to get you through
Close your eyes, it shouldn't bother you
It shouldn't bother you
Hey, hey, hey
It shouldn't bother you
Hey, hey, hey
It shouldn't bother you
It shouldn't bother you
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
I can relate to this song sometimes. I love this song!
ok I just joined! I love this song, but I always sing "Are you gonna tell me how it felt," will you tell me when she screams. But whos to tell this magnificant song writer other words! I love this song and all her lyrics!