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.
Well it's been a lengthy lesson
But we've been learning every day
Perfecting our techniques at keeping
The working class at bay
First we tried slavery
But those slaves did rebel
Then we tried colonies
But that worked about as well
Well we kept trying to stabilize
Minority control
To provide a sense of honesty
In this land we stole
Then we came upon it
Thge key to legitimization
You can call it what you want
We call it globalization
And globalization is good for you
Different from before
We'll just sell the arms you need
To fight your civil war
And when you look at those golden arches
You know who to thank
Let's hear it for the IMF
And the World Bank
We'll loan you lots of money
So you can modernize
Build up your infrastructure
Which we'll then privatize
'Cause you gotta pay your loans somehow
It is only right
And at eighty percent interest
We'll just take everything in sight
And globalization is good for you
It'll open many doors
Though you've sold your country
And it's no longer yours
Now you've got a coca-cola
And a very modern tank
Let's hear it for the IMF
And the World Bank
If your people start dying younger
And they say they're underpaid
Then you must remind them
Of the wonders of free trade
Just borrow some more money
And ignore that little rider
And remember you've got ten choices
Of mobile phone provider
And globalization is good for you
If you do it well
Just close those schools and hospitals
And sign this contract here with Shell
And tell those labor leaders and protesters
To go walk the plank
Three cheers for the IMF
And the World Bank
If the idea of democracy
Had a pleasant ring
We'll help you realize that dictatorship
Is really just the thing
This self-determination
Is all a silly fuss
A billion dollars in your pocket
Says just listen to us
'Cause globalization is good for you
Even if the people disagree
They'll take their orders from you
As you take yours from DC
Now don't forget to pack the prisons
And to watch your flank
Let's hear it for the IMF
And the World Bank
But we've been learning every day
Perfecting our techniques at keeping
The working class at bay
First we tried slavery
But those slaves did rebel
Then we tried colonies
But that worked about as well
Well we kept trying to stabilize
Minority control
To provide a sense of honesty
In this land we stole
Then we came upon it
Thge key to legitimization
You can call it what you want
We call it globalization
And globalization is good for you
Different from before
We'll just sell the arms you need
To fight your civil war
And when you look at those golden arches
You know who to thank
Let's hear it for the IMF
And the World Bank
We'll loan you lots of money
So you can modernize
Build up your infrastructure
Which we'll then privatize
'Cause you gotta pay your loans somehow
It is only right
And at eighty percent interest
We'll just take everything in sight
And globalization is good for you
It'll open many doors
Though you've sold your country
And it's no longer yours
Now you've got a coca-cola
And a very modern tank
Let's hear it for the IMF
And the World Bank
If your people start dying younger
And they say they're underpaid
Then you must remind them
Of the wonders of free trade
Just borrow some more money
And ignore that little rider
And remember you've got ten choices
Of mobile phone provider
And globalization is good for you
If you do it well
Just close those schools and hospitals
And sign this contract here with Shell
And tell those labor leaders and protesters
To go walk the plank
Three cheers for the IMF
And the World Bank
If the idea of democracy
Had a pleasant ring
We'll help you realize that dictatorship
Is really just the thing
This self-determination
Is all a silly fuss
A billion dollars in your pocket
Says just listen to us
'Cause globalization is good for you
Even if the people disagree
They'll take their orders from you
As you take yours from DC
Now don't forget to pack the prisons
And to watch your flank
Let's hear it for the IMF
And the World Bank
Lyrics submitted by negatyve
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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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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/
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.