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.
Islands, from the first time we saw,
We could wait for this moment, like rocks on the shore.
We can never be closer, somehow,
For the moment that lasts, is this moment now.
When the night's on fire, will you keep the candlelight burning?
Hold on to your heart's desire. (When the night's on fire)
When you see one bird into the wind, another one's turning,
And the two can fly much higher.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
Islands, never been to before,
And we climb so high to where the wild birds soar.
There's a new path that we found just today,
I was lost in the forest and you showed me the way.
When the night's on fire, will you keep the candlelight burning?
Hold on to your heart's desire. (When the night's on fire)
When you see one bird into the wind, another one's turning,
And the two can fly much higher.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We could wait for this moment, like rocks on the shore.
We can never be closer, somehow,
For the moment that lasts, is this moment now.
When the night's on fire, will you keep the candlelight burning?
Hold on to your heart's desire. (When the night's on fire)
When you see one bird into the wind, another one's turning,
And the two can fly much higher.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
Islands, never been to before,
And we climb so high to where the wild birds soar.
There's a new path that we found just today,
I was lost in the forest and you showed me the way.
When the night's on fire, will you keep the candlelight burning?
Hold on to your heart's desire. (When the night's on fire)
When you see one bird into the wind, another one's turning,
And the two can fly much higher.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
We are islands, but never too far,
We are islands
And I need your light tonight,
And I need your light tonight.
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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.
Beautiful song about people always being on their own, no matter how much they love each other ("we can never be closer, somehow"), but the thing is that to love someone you don't need to be the part of that another person - you can love someone and help him/her still staying yourself and having your own life (your island). And, as it is said, two birds can fly much higher – two people loving each other and acting for the same goal can achieve much more than one.