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.
in a second it all could change like a bird that hit the glass. your eyes are open but you couldn't have known as you slam into the pane of a window. a flash flood at a euology; it was the way you said my name. the world is perfect when i'm half asleep and it kind of makes me find it hard to swallow. in a second it all could change like a bird that hit the glass. your eyes are open but you couldn't have known.
changes tear up the tracks but leave the rails intact. their strength's untested but integrity's not what they lack. the message came across, tapped in as dash and dot. their hearts were hoping but a random pattern's what they got.
the syllables, they sound like words. so what you felt is what you heard. but syllables is all they were. they're not for you, and never meant for what you made them serve.
and soa seed is sown; the roots grow green and gold. they find some comfort in pretending that they're not alone. but after time, this tree's no longer make believe. they made religion by believing what they can't percieve.
say these walls come down, freed you from this maze. the sun set south and gravity gave you to the sky. how would you explain?
changes tear up the tracks but leave the rails intact. their strength's untested but integrity's not what they lack. the message came across, tapped in as dash and dot. their hearts were hoping but a random pattern's what they got.
the syllables, they sound like words. so what you felt is what you heard. but syllables is all they were. they're not for you, and never meant for what you made them serve.
and soa seed is sown; the roots grow green and gold. they find some comfort in pretending that they're not alone. but after time, this tree's no longer make believe. they made religion by believing what they can't percieve.
say these walls come down, freed you from this maze. the sun set south and gravity gave you to the sky. how would you explain?
Lyrics submitted by whtlocust
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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 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,
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/
this song reminds me of summer. it's fucking amazing.
i think this song means that ppl interpret randomness and chance as meaningful/optimistic bullshit that they want to believe.
"the sun set south and gravity gave you to the sky."
should be to the clouds.