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.
We're victims of sedition on the open sea.
No one ever said life was free.
Sink, swim, go down with the ship.
Just use your freedom of choice.
I'll say it again in the land of the free
Use your freedom of choice, freedom of choice.
In ancient Rome
There was a pawn
Who followed along
And watched it fall
He cast a stone
He felt secure
He felt that he would never be heard.
Freedom of choice
It's what you've got
Freedom of choice
You're given a voice
You don't want it
Seems to be the rule of thumb
Don't be tricked by what you see
You've got two ways to go
I'll say it again in the land of the free
Use your freedom of choice, freedom of choice.
Freedom of choice
It's what you've got
Freedom of choice
In ancient Rome
There was a pawn
Who followed along
And watched it fall
He cast a stone
He felt secure
He felt that his voice would never be heard.
Freedom of choice
It's what you've got
Freedom from choice
It's what you want.
Freedom of choice
It's what you've got.
Freedom from choice.
It's what you want.
Freedom from choice
It's what you want.
Freedom from choice.
No one ever said life was free.
Sink, swim, go down with the ship.
Just use your freedom of choice.
I'll say it again in the land of the free
Use your freedom of choice, freedom of choice.
In ancient Rome
There was a pawn
Who followed along
And watched it fall
He cast a stone
He felt secure
He felt that he would never be heard.
Freedom of choice
It's what you've got
Freedom of choice
You're given a voice
You don't want it
Seems to be the rule of thumb
Don't be tricked by what you see
You've got two ways to go
I'll say it again in the land of the free
Use your freedom of choice, freedom of choice.
Freedom of choice
It's what you've got
Freedom of choice
In ancient Rome
There was a pawn
Who followed along
And watched it fall
He cast a stone
He felt secure
He felt that his voice would never be heard.
Freedom of choice
It's what you've got
Freedom from choice
It's what you want.
Freedom of choice
It's what you've got.
Freedom from choice.
It's what you want.
Freedom from choice
It's what you want.
Freedom from choice.
Lyrics submitted by prayingmantis84
Freedom of Choice Lyrics as written by Mark Mothersbaugh Gerald Casale
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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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,
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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/
After seeing Maynard's pre-election message: The meaning is clear. VOTE.
(Too bad for him, I'm a Republican.)
Very difficult to determine exact lyrics... gotta love the english language. Very awesome song one of the better off of eMOTIVe. I posted some, I think more exact lyrics... don't take it offensively mantis, but your lyrics for the chorus don't make sense. Kudos for contributing though.
I have no idea what he's saying during the first four lines of the chorus, so I took a guess. I think the rest of it is right, though
This album is SOOOOO much weaker than any album Perfect Circle has released, not to mention Tool's immaculate collection of masterpieces. Where are you Maynard?
Hmm, I'm not sure about the chorus either. It sounds right, but like Captain Howdy said, the words don't quite seem to fit together.
I looked up the original lyrics (it's a Devo song): "In ancient Rome there was a poem, About a dog who found two bones, He picked at one, He licked the other, He went in circles, He dropped dead"
...and they make even less sense. Ah well, neat song anyway.
Also, people have been saying this album isn't very good. Well OF COURSE it's weaker than other APC albums; they didn't write it (for the most part). A collection of covers by any good artist is bound to be less powerful than an album of all-original material. As cover records go, this one is pretty damn good.
No way-no excuse. Tori Amos did an album of all covers-Strange Little Girls. It turned out to be one of her most powerful albums. I think Maynard is a genius and he shouldn't have settled for this album's mediocrity.
ok, i do like this song for the most part, but i am disappointed with the album as a whole, there are several really good songs, and the rest are on the bad side...sounds like a compromise, prolly has to do with apc rushing to get the album out by nov 2nd...but damn. i did buy the album and enjoy listening to some of it nevertheless. Maynard is a genious, but for once, i feel a little let down...ill cut them a break because of the rush of the album to get it released though. Billy did do a pretty good job with this song though.
Although I love the Devo version of this song I think this one is also a great song. The lyric changes make this song more along the lines of what the rest of the album is about, but I still think they should have stayed true to the Devo version. Because, really it's great.
This song makes me want to do something. It took me awhile to really get into it but now I think it's great. :]
is this a cover from lagwagon? :S