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.
Lately, I'm getting better
Wish I could stay sick with you
But there's too many egos left to bruise
Call it sin, you can call it whatever
Eating deep inside of you
Well, if it were me, it's all I'd ever do
Steal me now and forever
I'll steal something good for you
The criminal in me is no one new
'Til you find something better
When there's nothing left to use
And everything starts going down on you
I'm the generator, firin' whenever you quit
Yeah, whatever it is
You go out and it's on
Yeah, can't you hear my motored heart?
You're the one that started it
Send me out on a tether
Swing it 'round, I'll spin your noose
You let it down, I'll hang around with you
'Til you find someone better
When there's no one left to use
And everyone keeps going down
I'm the generator, firin' whenever you quit
Yeah, whatever it is
You go out and it's on
Yeah, can't you hear my motored heart?
You're the one that started it
I'm the generator, firin' whenever you quit
Yeah, whatever it is
You go out and it's on
Yeah, can't you hear my motored heart?
You're the one that started it
I'm the generator, I'm the generator
I'm the generator, I'm the generator
I'm the generator, I'm the generator
You're on
Yeah, can't you hear my motored heart?
You're the one that started it
Wish I could stay sick with you
But there's too many egos left to bruise
Call it sin, you can call it whatever
Eating deep inside of you
Well, if it were me, it's all I'd ever do
Steal me now and forever
I'll steal something good for you
The criminal in me is no one new
'Til you find something better
When there's nothing left to use
And everything starts going down on you
I'm the generator, firin' whenever you quit
Yeah, whatever it is
You go out and it's on
Yeah, can't you hear my motored heart?
You're the one that started it
Send me out on a tether
Swing it 'round, I'll spin your noose
You let it down, I'll hang around with you
'Til you find someone better
When there's no one left to use
And everyone keeps going down
I'm the generator, firin' whenever you quit
Yeah, whatever it is
You go out and it's on
Yeah, can't you hear my motored heart?
You're the one that started it
I'm the generator, firin' whenever you quit
Yeah, whatever it is
You go out and it's on
Yeah, can't you hear my motored heart?
You're the one that started it
I'm the generator, I'm the generator
I'm the generator, I'm the generator
I'm the generator, I'm the generator
You're on
Yeah, can't you hear my motored heart?
You're the one that started it
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More Featured Meanings
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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
I'm the generator la de da di da! Fire me whenever you quit tum tee tum!! You see I'm listening to it right now and it rules de de de de de de de de!!
the guy in the song is in love with a girl, this girl is not in love with him, he cant get over her but she has gotten over him.
she goes on into other relationships, but they never work out, and he is always there for her when shes down and out after another love again
"I'm the Generator, firing whenever you quit Yeah whatever it is, you go out and it's on"
it doesnt matter to him that she no longer loves him, he still loves her and will always be there for her
the bit about the noose is not suicide in its entirety, its saying that he is with her till the end and would do anything for her. from a song by catch 22 - "i loved her and for us i shot him down", that also shows how much one man can love a woman, a love so great he would do anything not to lose her, even if it means he can only ever bring her back up after having her heartbroken over and over again, and hide his true love for this girl
reminds me of my current situation
I see this song in that way to as I was in that exact same situation. I was the "backup" guy. The hard part is finally saying enough is enough and moving on. but it is so worth it when you do. Really makes you appreciate when someone doesn't treat you in that way.
when we were in high school , a friend had cancer and his wish was to meet dave grohl. dave did come to australia and hung out with paul who was a drummer in a band. After paul passed away this song came out and we all thought that dave had written it maybe partly for paul. All i know is that even when i hear it now it reminds me of paul and his great attitude even when facing a horrible reality. GREAT SONG!!
I feel like this song is about a f buddy. The song is coming from the perspective of someone who’s digging being with the other person on a casual basis but knows it’s no good for them. The ‘generator’ is the libido, ‘firing’ when the other person loses interest. The f buddy knows they’ll always come second (no pun intended) to the other person but still goes along for the ride anyway.
great song..its the best..can a person's love akin a generator?..beautiful..
I'd have to say this is my favorite song on TINFTL. The song just gives me goosebumps, that's all I have to say.
THIS SONG KICKS MAJOR ASS! THE INTRO MAKES ME WANNA ROCK!!!!!
Great song, Dave Grohl is one of the most talented guys on the planet, this song is the best off TINLTL, it comes close to being the best foo's song ever, but loses out to My Hero and Everlong.
best song, love it, an old fave
Although I dont think it is the main theme can anyone see the suicide part of this song? look at this bit in particular "Send me out on a tether Swing it round, I'll spin your noose You let it downI'll hang around with you "
I dont think this means to much but I love this song