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.
Lyrics & Music: Paul Kantner
You have left your body be aware if you care
Your mind has left your body and for this one moment you are
Under the polar ice cap in a place we call home
How is it there white bear like that where you grow...
Now all of you come back to here and now elsewhen to there
Move on out the other way where...
Do you find yourself floating growing there
chorus
Riders of the rainbow
Let it grow let it grow
You can exercise your mind on where you want to go
And why'can see the city lights flashin' two thousand miles below you
You can feel the sands of Zanzibar or pierce the nearest sun
Find out what and who you are and if you need to run
Chorus
Riders of the rainbow
Let it grow let it grow
There is one moment in your life and it can come at any time
And you remember all of what went on from the instant you were born
Through your early years
And if you can fasten on that moment and expand through the afterglow
You can reverse your mind in time and travel back to when
The earth was formed
The sky was born
And the universe began
chorus
Riders of the rainbow
Let it grow let it grow
You have left your body
Return when you may
Save it for another day... beyond you
You have left your body be aware if you care
Your mind has left your body and for this one moment you are
Under the polar ice cap in a place we call home
How is it there white bear like that where you grow...
Now all of you come back to here and now elsewhen to there
Move on out the other way where...
Do you find yourself floating growing there
chorus
Riders of the rainbow
Let it grow let it grow
You can exercise your mind on where you want to go
And why'can see the city lights flashin' two thousand miles below you
You can feel the sands of Zanzibar or pierce the nearest sun
Find out what and who you are and if you need to run
Chorus
Riders of the rainbow
Let it grow let it grow
There is one moment in your life and it can come at any time
And you remember all of what went on from the instant you were born
Through your early years
And if you can fasten on that moment and expand through the afterglow
You can reverse your mind in time and travel back to when
The earth was formed
The sky was born
And the universe began
chorus
Riders of the rainbow
Let it grow let it grow
You have left your body
Return when you may
Save it for another day... beyond you
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
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.
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.
Your Mind Has Left Your Body
You have left your body be aware if you care Your mind has left your body and for this one moment you are
Under the polar ice cap in a place we call home How is it there white bear like that where you grow...
Now all of you come back to here and now elsewhen to there Move on out the other way where... Do you find yourself floating growing there
chorus
Riders of the rainbow Let it grow let it grow
You can exercise your mind on where you want to go And y'can see the city lights flashin' two thousand miles below you
You can feel the sands of Zanzibar or pierce the nearest sun Find out what and who you are and if you need to run
chorus
Riders of the rainbow Let it grow let it grow
There is one moment in your life and it can come at any time And you remember all of what went on from the instant you were born Thru your early years
And if you can fasten on that moment and expand thru the afterglow You can reverse your mind in time and travel back to when
The earth was formed The sky was born And the universe began
chorus
Riders of the rainbow Let it grow let it grow
You have left your body Return when you may