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.
Take a bow, pack on powder
Wash them out with buzzing lights
Pay an audience to care
"Impress me" personality
Still and transfixed
The electric sheep are dreaming of your face
Enjoy you from the chemical
Comfort of America
Come one, come all
Into 1984
Yeah, three, two, one
Lights, camera, transaction
But quick, your time is almost up
Make all forget that they're the moth
Edging in towards the flame
Burn into obscurity
Still and transfixed
The electric sheep are dreaming up your fate
And judge you from the card castle
Comfort of America
Come one, come all
Into 1984
Yeah, three, two, one
Lights, camera, yeah
Come one, come all
Into 1984
Yeah, three, two, one
Lights, camera, transaction
Lights, camera, transaction
Come one, come all
Into 1984
Yeah, three, two, one
Lights, camera, transaction
Your foundation is canyoning
Fault lines should be worn with pride
I hate to say so much more
You're so much more
Endearing with the sound turned off
Wash them out with buzzing lights
Pay an audience to care
"Impress me" personality
Still and transfixed
The electric sheep are dreaming of your face
Enjoy you from the chemical
Comfort of America
Come one, come all
Into 1984
Yeah, three, two, one
Lights, camera, transaction
But quick, your time is almost up
Make all forget that they're the moth
Edging in towards the flame
Burn into obscurity
Still and transfixed
The electric sheep are dreaming up your fate
And judge you from the card castle
Comfort of America
Come one, come all
Into 1984
Yeah, three, two, one
Lights, camera, yeah
Come one, come all
Into 1984
Yeah, three, two, one
Lights, camera, transaction
Lights, camera, transaction
Come one, come all
Into 1984
Yeah, three, two, one
Lights, camera, transaction
Your foundation is canyoning
Fault lines should be worn with pride
I hate to say so much more
You're so much more
Endearing with the sound turned off
Lyrics submitted by SoccrFwd13, edited by danielhex
Talk Shows on Mute Lyrics as written by Brandon Boyd Ben Kenney
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Light Up The Sky
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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"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.
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/
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.
Ok, I know you say your mindless, but SERIOUSLY mindlessTart... The song does not refer to 1984 the year, but Orwell's book "1984". However, I don't think the song is about the aspect of the book which means that everyone's constantly watched. In the book, everyone is groomed to be a follower of "Big Brother" and "The Enemy" is used to unite the people against a common cause. Wars are used to control people, in that they make people feel insecure and vulnerable, so that "Big Brother" is there only hope.
To me, this song is neither (necessarily) anti-Bush nor anti-media nor apocalyptic. Its about the way the world is run by perceptions. Now, these perceptions may be influenced by the media, but they are also influenced by politicians- the majority of politicians, not just the Bush administration.
The "1984" reference refers to the use of 'spin' and the manipulation of the people.