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.
I asked my love to take a walk,
To take a walk, just a little walk,
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwine,
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I held a knife against her breast,
And into my arms she pressed,
She cried, "Oh Willie, don't murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity."
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others' arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of Ohio
I started home 'tween twelve and one
I cried, "My God, what have I done?
I've killed the only woman I loved,
Because she would not be my bride,"
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others' arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of Ohio
To take a walk, just a little walk,
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwine,
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I held a knife against her breast,
And into my arms she pressed,
She cried, "Oh Willie, don't murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity."
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others' arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of Ohio
I started home 'tween twelve and one
I cried, "My God, what have I done?
I've killed the only woman I loved,
Because she would not be my bride,"
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others' arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of Ohio
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
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.
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/
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
This song is so chilling, it's about a guy who kills a girl becasue she won't marry him. Based upon a british murder balad, a lot of other songs are similar to this too.