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.
Yesterday
the sky looked sweet
when we dropped
a big bomb at our feet
and sometime soon
we all might zoom
to space and continue
with another zoo
Work and pace
for paper face
spend it wisely
and keep it safe
because the human race
is a non-stop race
with too many trials
but no real case
Something about this second
something about this hour
take away the money
then the time becomes the power
a moment just to swim
and to shower and to sing
and to brighten and to dim
and to sleep and to wander in
Nothing
oh sweet nothing
today we're doing nothing at all
Yesterday
I climbed a hill
then cycle down speedy
on a great big wheel
feeling ill
laboured still
grinding and stressing
in that giant mill
Drove a car
stop and start
round and round in circles
never got too far
running barefoot
on the hot hot tar
cause if you stop
then you burn
then your feet get scars
Something about this instance
something about this minute
striving for the future
but don't realise that we're in it
a moment just to float
to ponder and to dote
to dry and to soak
and to take a little toke of that
Nothing
oh sweet nothing
today we're doing nothing at all
the sky looked sweet
when we dropped
a big bomb at our feet
and sometime soon
we all might zoom
to space and continue
with another zoo
Work and pace
for paper face
spend it wisely
and keep it safe
because the human race
is a non-stop race
with too many trials
but no real case
Something about this second
something about this hour
take away the money
then the time becomes the power
a moment just to swim
and to shower and to sing
and to brighten and to dim
and to sleep and to wander in
Nothing
oh sweet nothing
today we're doing nothing at all
Yesterday
I climbed a hill
then cycle down speedy
on a great big wheel
feeling ill
laboured still
grinding and stressing
in that giant mill
Drove a car
stop and start
round and round in circles
never got too far
running barefoot
on the hot hot tar
cause if you stop
then you burn
then your feet get scars
Something about this instance
something about this minute
striving for the future
but don't realise that we're in it
a moment just to float
to ponder and to dote
to dry and to soak
and to take a little toke of that
Nothing
oh sweet nothing
today we're doing nothing at all
Lyrics submitted by bethness
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
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Hayalperest
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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.
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,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
such a good song. it sounds like a kid would sing it.
ive sat on my ass for many a day listening to this and just enjoying doing "oh sweet nothing"
I love this song, its very summer holiday-ee
This was the first Cat Empire song that really made me realise that this band were something special, and not just the funky, poppy, Aussie band I first thought they were on my initial casual listening.
I think it struck me when I heard Harry sing 'and to take a little toke of that Nothing! Oh, sweet Nothing!' with such gusto.
It blew me away, and from then on I started paying more attention to all their lyrics and really began to fall in love with the band.
I love Harry's verse about the pace and stress of modern living, 'grinding and a-stressing in that giant mill', and the whole sentiment of living in the present moment and enjoying it to the full, and of the joy of just doing Nothing At All. La la la la!