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.
I work in the kitchen
At an old folk's home
I do my best, but I too am gettin' old
I do the dishes but lately I been droppin plates
See as I get older, my hands are startin to shake
So Mr. Larkin
See I got to hold this job
Did you misspeak when you told me
She's all but gone
So Mr. Larkin
Dock me my one week's pay
But don't ask me to leave
We can't afford that today
Ten years ago, my wife took sick
So I brought her here, my job I quit
Started working for the home
So I could be by her everyday
We couldn't afford the cost in any other way
So Mr. Larkin
See I know she know who I am
Everynow and then, she'll squeeze my hand
It's what I live for and it's why she don't die
So Mr. Larkin won't you
Won't you give me this try
I walk to work on Route 27
I see the same cars everyday
And through all this New England weather
You know never once have I been late
So Mr. Larkin
See I know she know who I am
Everynow and then, she'll squeeze my hand
It's what I live for and it's why she don't die
So Mr. Larkin won't you
Won't you give me this try
I see the arguement you are making
And I understand you got to do your job
And believe me I know she's turning angel
But you see this woman is all I got
So Mr. Larkin
See I know she know who I am
Everynow and then, she'll squeeze my hand
It's what I live for and it's why she don't die
So Mr. Larkin won't you
Won't you give me this try
Lyrics submitted by AJGullo23
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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.
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Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
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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/
So I understand that its about a guy whos wife is sick, he works at the nursing home to help cover the cost and everything, But this is kind of a stretch... Is his wife in a coma? When it says:
Every now and then, she'll squeeze my hand It's what I live for and it's why she don't die,
Im thinking she possibly faintly remembers him or something, and thats why its such a big deal. Or she could have alzhiemers.
Nonetheless, this is such a great song. I never really payed attention to the lyrics at first, but now that I do, its a pretty sad song.