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.
Stuck to the dog, pissin' out both ends
I got a hundred lethal weapons that I call my friends
Ain't a person on earth who could take my life
I wish they would so a man could get some sleep at night
But my design is a mixture of descent and decay
I see a monster in the mirror fucking everyday
Can a man ever wash his hands of blood
Perpetual deja vu, isn't that enough
[Chorus]
Peel back the layers, and see what I've become
Satisfied? Now I feel nothing
Stay away, I swear it wasn't me
See if you can relish if you close both eyes
Every time I make an issue of it, someone dies
Carried out like a hit man, set in stone
Don't know why I even bother to be left alone
In my opinion, it's a self-serving fucked up phase
Got a picture in my wallet that I keep, in case I
Gotta go, gotta split, gotta make it to a higher level than this
But I could be wrong, what I say is wrong, what I really want to say is:
[Chorus]
Run, it doesn't matter
I need all the miracles that I can gather
Run, I can't pretend
I put myself in idle hands again
Here's how it ends, just a bit too soon
River deep in all the shit I let myself get into
Doesn't anybody like it here
Blank looks, television drama and no fear
Let another person fuck with your mind
I bet you become the person who will fuck in time
Man I just stopped caring, the music is blaring
I feel you glaring, why won't you stop staring
[Chorus]
Run, it doesn't matter
I need all the miracles that I can gather
Run, I can't pretend
I put myself in idle hands again
Get the fuck off of me
I got a hundred lethal weapons that I call my friends
Ain't a person on earth who could take my life
I wish they would so a man could get some sleep at night
But my design is a mixture of descent and decay
I see a monster in the mirror fucking everyday
Can a man ever wash his hands of blood
Perpetual deja vu, isn't that enough
[Chorus]
Peel back the layers, and see what I've become
Satisfied? Now I feel nothing
Stay away, I swear it wasn't me
See if you can relish if you close both eyes
Every time I make an issue of it, someone dies
Carried out like a hit man, set in stone
Don't know why I even bother to be left alone
In my opinion, it's a self-serving fucked up phase
Got a picture in my wallet that I keep, in case I
Gotta go, gotta split, gotta make it to a higher level than this
But I could be wrong, what I say is wrong, what I really want to say is:
[Chorus]
Run, it doesn't matter
I need all the miracles that I can gather
Run, I can't pretend
I put myself in idle hands again
Here's how it ends, just a bit too soon
River deep in all the shit I let myself get into
Doesn't anybody like it here
Blank looks, television drama and no fear
Let another person fuck with your mind
I bet you become the person who will fuck in time
Man I just stopped caring, the music is blaring
I feel you glaring, why won't you stop staring
[Chorus]
Run, it doesn't matter
I need all the miracles that I can gather
Run, I can't pretend
I put myself in idle hands again
Get the fuck off of me
Lyrics submitted by downthesun836
Idle Hands Lyrics as written by Josh Rand Joel Ekman
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Mountain Song
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Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
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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/
Disagree with one of the lyrics I hear "my design is a micture of dissent and chaos" I think this also fits better with corey taylor Descent and decay are also parts of his design but nearly as much as dissent and chaos. Thoughts anyone?