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.
Seems like yesterday we were sixteen
We were the rebels of the rebel scene
He wore Doc Martens in the sun
Drinking vintage cider having fun
We were drinking vintage cider having fun
It wasn't often, that we'd fight at all
It wasn't often
It wasn't often, that we'd fight at all
It wasn't often
We wore Doc Martens in the snow
(We will never go)
Paint our toe-nails black and let our hair grow
(We will never grow)
What I am now's what I was then
(We will never know)
I am not more acceptable than them
But, I am not more acceptable than them
It wasn't often, that we'd fight at all
It wasn't often
It wasn't often, that we'd fight at all
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
Seems like yesterday we were sixteen
We were the rebels of the rebel scene
We were the rebels of the rebel scene
He wore Doc Martens in the sun
Drinking vintage cider having fun
We were drinking vintage cider having fun
It wasn't often, that we'd fight at all
It wasn't often
It wasn't often, that we'd fight at all
It wasn't often
We wore Doc Martens in the snow
(We will never go)
Paint our toe-nails black and let our hair grow
(We will never grow)
What I am now's what I was then
(We will never know)
I am not more acceptable than them
But, I am not more acceptable than them
It wasn't often, that we'd fight at all
It wasn't often
It wasn't often, that we'd fight at all
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
It wasn't often
Seems like yesterday we were sixteen
We were the rebels of the rebel scene
Lyrics submitted by 3ssence, edited by The Withered Grave
The Rebels Lyrics as written by Dolores Mary O'riordan
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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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/
You can hear her sigh at the end of the song. You definitely know that this was written from the heart for someone special that she remembers from her youth; a childhood friend, lover, etc… A great song about capturing innocence and no worries in the world. Growing up in the 1990's; when DOC's were better back then.