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.
Put your pretty dress on
It's time for you to go to the dance
Tie your hair in red buns and lace
And wear pearls around your neck
And all the pretty princes will see you
All the pretty princes will see you
Someday, someday
Put your red boots on
It's time for you to walk home from school
Everyone will laugh, pointing fingers at you
They'll be cruel
But cover up your ears and don't say anything
'Cause you're much better than them
Someday, someday
And they'll wave to you
And they'll wave to you
Put your red coat on and walk with the light in the woods
If it gets dark don't get scared
There's so much waiting for you
Cover up your ears and don't show them
'Cause you're much better than them
Someday, someday
And they'll wave to you
And they'll wave to you
And we'll wave to you
'Cause they don't see you like I see you
If they did they'd see that nice little girls grow up
To become homecoming queens
Put your red dress on
Put your red boots on
And they'll wave to you
And they'll wave to you
And we'll wave to you
And we'll wave to you
Put your pretty dress on
Put your red boots on
Put your red coat on
It's time for you to go to the dance
Tie your hair in red buns and lace
And wear pearls around your neck
And all the pretty princes will see you
All the pretty princes will see you
Someday, someday
Put your red boots on
It's time for you to walk home from school
Everyone will laugh, pointing fingers at you
They'll be cruel
But cover up your ears and don't say anything
'Cause you're much better than them
Someday, someday
And they'll wave to you
And they'll wave to you
Put your red coat on and walk with the light in the woods
If it gets dark don't get scared
There's so much waiting for you
Cover up your ears and don't show them
'Cause you're much better than them
Someday, someday
And they'll wave to you
And they'll wave to you
And we'll wave to you
'Cause they don't see you like I see you
If they did they'd see that nice little girls grow up
To become homecoming queens
Put your red dress on
Put your red boots on
And they'll wave to you
And they'll wave to you
And we'll wave to you
And we'll wave to you
Put your pretty dress on
Put your red boots on
Put your red coat on
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Van Halen
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Thursday
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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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/
Maybe Rosie plays the part of this little girl's mother. The red dress/boots show her being kinda materialistic, maybe?