This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
first shot goes down like fire
you'll pull the thoughts to the front of my mouth
i hear the words of a sad, sad song
rattle around my head
they mix up and fall out of my mouth
rattle around my head
they mix up and fall out of my mouth
oh! you got it all figured out
how to bring it all down
how to make it all yours
oh i wish that you would
you never had it that way
it didn't belong to you
but it's there for the taking
so take it
second shot goes down with ease
mix emotion mix the potion brings me to my knees
whatever you want, whatever you need
i'll hold my breath until you tell me to breathe
you never had it that way
it didn't belong to you
but it's there for the taking
so take it
first shot goes down like fire
you pull the thoughts the front of my mouth
i hear the words of a sad, sad song
rattle around my head
they mix up and fall out of my mouth
rattle around my head
they mix up and fall out of my mouth
oh! you got it all figured out
how to bring it all down
how to make it all yours
oh i wish that you would
you never had it that way
it didn't belong to you
but it's there for the taking
so take it
you'll pull the thoughts to the front of my mouth
i hear the words of a sad, sad song
rattle around my head
they mix up and fall out of my mouth
rattle around my head
they mix up and fall out of my mouth
oh! you got it all figured out
how to bring it all down
how to make it all yours
oh i wish that you would
you never had it that way
it didn't belong to you
but it's there for the taking
so take it
second shot goes down with ease
mix emotion mix the potion brings me to my knees
whatever you want, whatever you need
i'll hold my breath until you tell me to breathe
you never had it that way
it didn't belong to you
but it's there for the taking
so take it
first shot goes down like fire
you pull the thoughts the front of my mouth
i hear the words of a sad, sad song
rattle around my head
they mix up and fall out of my mouth
rattle around my head
they mix up and fall out of my mouth
oh! you got it all figured out
how to bring it all down
how to make it all yours
oh i wish that you would
you never had it that way
it didn't belong to you
but it's there for the taking
so take it
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
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“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.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
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.
lol, i realised how stupid i sounded after i posted that.... :|