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.
Are you lit from the inside
Is that why your teeth are bright?
You smile as the sunsets on the window
And the car fills up with light
Make a smile tulip, don't think of me
As something that's passed
I am not written in the book,
But I intend to last
And as the sun comes up you know
It's really going down
You only framed it incorrectly,
Now you cannot turn it round
If there's enough of us here left,
Then we'll drive it into town
And when we pass the field of tulips,
Then I'll put the knuckle down.
Don't frown tulip
Make a smile
Don't frown tulip
You know it's all worthwhile
There are lions by the roadside,
I was driving with my father
Through a dream of French forests
And all is warmth and solace
And all said He is with us
But always sad and serious
Standing outside in the garden,
Pained and peerless
Don't frown tulip
Make a smile
Don't frown tulip
You know it's all worthwhile
Make a smile at the end of your tether
This was never gonna last forever
The woods all were peopled
With daughters and sons
The teeming uncounted
And unchosen ones
Who don't dance anymore
They just move around in bubbles
And nobody notices
Nobody's troubles
Nobody notices
Nobody's troubles
Don't frown tulip
Make a smile
Don't frown tulip
You know it's all worthwhile
Make a smile at the end of your tether
This was never gonna last forever
Don't frown tulip
Don't frown tulip
Is that why your teeth are bright?
You smile as the sunsets on the window
And the car fills up with light
Make a smile tulip, don't think of me
As something that's passed
I am not written in the book,
But I intend to last
And as the sun comes up you know
It's really going down
You only framed it incorrectly,
Now you cannot turn it round
If there's enough of us here left,
Then we'll drive it into town
And when we pass the field of tulips,
Then I'll put the knuckle down.
Don't frown tulip
Make a smile
Don't frown tulip
You know it's all worthwhile
There are lions by the roadside,
I was driving with my father
Through a dream of French forests
And all is warmth and solace
And all said He is with us
But always sad and serious
Standing outside in the garden,
Pained and peerless
Don't frown tulip
Make a smile
Don't frown tulip
You know it's all worthwhile
Make a smile at the end of your tether
This was never gonna last forever
The woods all were peopled
With daughters and sons
The teeming uncounted
And unchosen ones
Who don't dance anymore
They just move around in bubbles
And nobody notices
Nobody's troubles
Nobody notices
Nobody's troubles
Don't frown tulip
Make a smile
Don't frown tulip
You know it's all worthwhile
Make a smile at the end of your tether
This was never gonna last forever
Don't frown tulip
Don't frown tulip
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Holiday
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Mountain Song
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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."
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Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
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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/
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Amazing
Ed Sheeran
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Haunting. It seems to be about death, but the full meaning escapes me in idle consideration. It's the kind of song which echoes through your mind in melancholy. Absolutely charming.
I think it could be about being close to someone who was depressed and committed suicide. Here's a few examples:
"make a smile at the end of your tether" - The tether could be the noose they used to hang themselves with...
"And as the sun comes up you know It's really going down You only framed it incorrectly, Now you cannot turn it round" - Could be about the pessimistic view of things one gets when one is depressed
and perhaps some of the evidence that ties the rest of this theory together is "And nobody notices Nobody's troubles" - Those who are depressed don't generally tell other people. They have troubles but no-one notices.
Also, "Don't frown Tulip, make a smile" could be them telling themselves not to show everyone, a no-one can know type thing.