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.
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another, you been messin' around
They say you got a boyfriend
You're out late every weekend
They're talkin' about you and it's bringin' me down
But I know the neighborhood
And talk is cheap when the story is good
And the tales grow taller on down the line
But I'm tellin' you, babe
That I don't think it's true, babe
And even if it is, keep this in mind
You take it on the run, baby
If that's the way you want it, baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun, so you take it on the run
You're thinkin' up your white lies
You're puttin' on your bedroom eyes
You say you're comin' home but you won't say when
But I can feel it comin'
If you leave tonight, keep runnin'
And you need never look back again
You take it on the run, baby
If that's the way you want it, baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun, so you take it on the run
Take it on the run, baby
If that's the way you want it, baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun, so you take it on the run
Take it on the run, baby
If that's the way you want it, baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun, so you take it on the run
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another, you been messin' around
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another, you been messin' around
They say you got a boyfriend
You're out late every weekend
They're talkin' about you and it's bringin' me down
But I know the neighborhood
And talk is cheap when the story is good
And the tales grow taller on down the line
But I'm tellin' you, babe
That I don't think it's true, babe
And even if it is, keep this in mind
You take it on the run, baby
If that's the way you want it, baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun, so you take it on the run
You're thinkin' up your white lies
You're puttin' on your bedroom eyes
You say you're comin' home but you won't say when
But I can feel it comin'
If you leave tonight, keep runnin'
And you need never look back again
You take it on the run, baby
If that's the way you want it, baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun, so you take it on the run
Take it on the run, baby
If that's the way you want it, baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun, so you take it on the run
Take it on the run, baby
If that's the way you want it, baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun, so you take it on the run
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another, you been messin' around
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Light Up The Sky
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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.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
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Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
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.
Could be interested in her, not in a relationship, but hearing stories and lecturing her on what it would mean if true. As far as not believing there would be no point in the song. He's singing in a polite way what amounts to 'People say you're a whore. Since I'm not positive, me, the person who has been listening and possibly participating while others drag your name through the mud, thought I'd share this so you'd know where I stand when I make a decision as to what you are. So are you?" I recommend not having this conversation unless sure but then there'd be no point.
A funny spin. What if those close to her suspected or knew she was interested in someone but didn't know who and the story took a life of its own? There would be a huge irony if he questioned and insinuated the same thing, angry his interest had another interest or reported "lover", and the whole time it was him.
That would be horrible! To think that the only person she had ever been interested in is the very one who spins the web of lies? That would be a tragic scenario, especially if it created and encouraged a compromising situation that would not have even existed had not for those lies or insinuations. Even worse, what if she had taken this person to heart yet was always unaware of his true intentions for her, committing herself to some stupid idea she created in her mind? So I guess her lesson would be to never think that you have correctly judged someone’s character when based on perceptions alone, and certainly do not commit yourself to fondness for what you have perceived, things are never what they seem. Our character is proven by our actions and nothing else. It’s just easier to discern and dodge the shady characters who are obviously corrupt, while unfortunately not so easy to see through those who are clever at concealment. Sorry if I took your interpretation way out of line, it just really strikes a nerve in me.
Thanks, chaidrinker, for such an insightful post. I see now how icredibley true it was...however much the truth may hurt or however extensive the humiliation, the truth shall set you free. Finally! It's pathological!