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.
Hangin' out with Lars down on 6th street
He knew I was in trouble
I was feeling much like the devil
There was something burnin' deep inside of me
Ran into three Puerto Ricans
These girls took us to the fun house
Where we played a lonely pinball machine
Hangin' on the corner of 52nd and Broadway
Cars passin' by but none of them seem to be goin' my way
New York City well I wish I was on a highway
Back to Olympia
I'm having a hard time understanding
It gets all too demanding
She's all gone and I'm stranded
Something burning deep inside of me
All I know it's four o'clock and
She ain't never showed up
And I watched a thousand people go home from work
Hangin' on the corner of 52nd and Broadway
Cars passin' by but none of them seem to be goin' my way
New York City well I wish I was on a highway
Back to Olympia
How many times will it take me
Before I go crazy
Before I lose everything
Something burning deep inside of me
Ran into three Puerto Ricans
Those girls took us to the fun house
I don't want to be alone again
Hangin' on the corner of 52nd and Broadway
Cars passin' by but none of 'em seem to go my way
New York City, well I wish I was on a highway
Back to Olympia
He knew I was in trouble
I was feeling much like the devil
There was something burnin' deep inside of me
Ran into three Puerto Ricans
These girls took us to the fun house
Where we played a lonely pinball machine
Hangin' on the corner of 52nd and Broadway
Cars passin' by but none of them seem to be goin' my way
New York City well I wish I was on a highway
Back to Olympia
I'm having a hard time understanding
It gets all too demanding
She's all gone and I'm stranded
Something burning deep inside of me
All I know it's four o'clock and
She ain't never showed up
And I watched a thousand people go home from work
Hangin' on the corner of 52nd and Broadway
Cars passin' by but none of them seem to be goin' my way
New York City well I wish I was on a highway
Back to Olympia
How many times will it take me
Before I go crazy
Before I lose everything
Something burning deep inside of me
Ran into three Puerto Ricans
Those girls took us to the fun house
I don't want to be alone again
Hangin' on the corner of 52nd and Broadway
Cars passin' by but none of 'em seem to go my way
New York City, well I wish I was on a highway
Back to Olympia
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Light Up The Sky
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Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
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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.
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.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
That damn Tobi Vail... This song gets written about her... like half of Nevermind by Nirvana was written about her..
Anyway, I live in Olympia... and it's not all that great. So shut up.