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.
Keep on looking now
You gotta keep on looking now
Keep on looking now
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
Where your walk it's always shadow
Conversation always shallow
When they talk they never look you in the eye
They look over your shoulder
To faces even colder
And you feel a little older
Every time
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
When you're looking for reaction
When you're searching for direction
When you're scared of rejection
Or attack
You need the warmth of loving
When you're growing tired of seeing
A colourless reflection
Looking back
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
Something real to fill those little empty spaces
So you're looking for love in all the wrong places
You need understanding
You need a home
All those people so alone
You need understanding
You need a home
All those people so alone
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
You better keep on looking now!
And so the evening shade will fall
Where nameless voices call and call
And think of all the friends you made
While you toast with Prozac and lemonade
You can hold me under septic skies
(You can dream to your own places)
Watch the sun set in my eyes
(You can't seem to put)
Could this be the time to die?
(A name to all the faces)
The wind upon your face
(Something real)
Your lips upon my lips
Like urban velvet
(To fill those little empty spaces)
So you're looking for love in all the wrong places
You keep on looking for love in all the wrong places
Dream and take away the tears
(Keep on looking now)
Drift on to where your heart is numb
(You gotta keep on looking now)
It's lovely there where love becomes
A drug to fill your need
Just believe in you!
And learn to love yourself
Before anyone else
You gotta keep on looking now
Keep on looking now
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
Where your walk it's always shadow
Conversation always shallow
When they talk they never look you in the eye
They look over your shoulder
To faces even colder
And you feel a little older
Every time
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
When you're looking for reaction
When you're searching for direction
When you're scared of rejection
Or attack
You need the warmth of loving
When you're growing tired of seeing
A colourless reflection
Looking back
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
Something real to fill those little empty spaces
So you're looking for love in all the wrong places
You need understanding
You need a home
All those people so alone
You need understanding
You need a home
All those people so alone
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
You're looking for love
In all the wrong places
You better keep on looking now!
And so the evening shade will fall
Where nameless voices call and call
And think of all the friends you made
While you toast with Prozac and lemonade
You can hold me under septic skies
(You can dream to your own places)
Watch the sun set in my eyes
(You can't seem to put)
Could this be the time to die?
(A name to all the faces)
The wind upon your face
(Something real)
Your lips upon my lips
Like urban velvet
(To fill those little empty spaces)
So you're looking for love in all the wrong places
You keep on looking for love in all the wrong places
Dream and take away the tears
(Keep on looking now)
Drift on to where your heart is numb
(You gotta keep on looking now)
It's lovely there where love becomes
A drug to fill your need
Just believe in you!
And learn to love yourself
Before anyone else
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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 is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
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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/
Blue
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“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.