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.
Been a-lookin' for a good girl,
But it's taking time.
A-been a-lookin' for a good girl,
A-one to please my mind as well as my time.
I've been singing in the evening,
Flying through the night.
But I hurt my good gal,
I hope she makes out right,
Flying through the night.
I've been picking up the sunshine,
I've been drinking down the rain, girl,
I've been picking up the sunshine,
It makes me think on when I'll see you again.
You know time could bring a change, girl,
It ain't for me to say.
You'll soon be out of range, girl,
A-this could only be the way it's meant to be.
Fairy castle stark and black in the moonlight,
The jingle jangle jester rides his stallion
Seagull flies across my eyes forever.
Sadly goes the wind on its way to Hades.
Would I, should I, could I be a stranger,
I shall walk right by and sigh goodbye.
Lucifer calls his legions from the hillside.
Sadly goes the wind on its way to Hades.
I've been lookin', oh yeah,
I say I've been lookin' far a good girl,
You better believe it, baby, yeah!
Yes, I've been lookin' for a good gal, oh yeah!
Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm,
Ain't kiddin' you, ain't kiddin' you, ain't kiddin' you
Yeah, I've been a-lookin
But it's taking time.
A-been a-lookin' for a good girl,
A-one to please my mind as well as my time.
I've been singing in the evening,
Flying through the night.
But I hurt my good gal,
I hope she makes out right,
Flying through the night.
I've been picking up the sunshine,
I've been drinking down the rain, girl,
I've been picking up the sunshine,
It makes me think on when I'll see you again.
You know time could bring a change, girl,
It ain't for me to say.
You'll soon be out of range, girl,
A-this could only be the way it's meant to be.
Fairy castle stark and black in the moonlight,
The jingle jangle jester rides his stallion
Seagull flies across my eyes forever.
Sadly goes the wind on its way to Hades.
Would I, should I, could I be a stranger,
I shall walk right by and sigh goodbye.
Lucifer calls his legions from the hillside.
Sadly goes the wind on its way to Hades.
I've been lookin', oh yeah,
I say I've been lookin' far a good girl,
You better believe it, baby, yeah!
Yes, I've been lookin' for a good gal, oh yeah!
Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm,
Ain't kiddin' you, ain't kiddin' you, ain't kiddin' you
Yeah, I've been a-lookin
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
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.
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
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"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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.
Could this be a reference to Bert Jansch? He was a folk/blues artist who started at basically the same time as Donovan. He was also a prominent member of the band Pentangle. I always envisioned the title as some sort of nod to his music but I've had no grounds for believing so other than the name Bert.