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.
If one day you'd backed up a promise you made
We'd have to make it a holiday
'Cause we both know that day would never come again
If one day your word was as good as gold
It'd be too late cos I'd be too old
I don't think a human being could live that long
I never gave a damn
I was never even a fan
The only thing that makes me smile is your pain
I don't even care
When did you treat anyone fair?
To say I'm not enjoying this would be insane
Sodium Pentathol was an idea I had
But what does the truth mean now
To all the lost souls you've grabbed
A mass delusion, there's no confusion
Just a hypocrite
Who'd never cop to it
You're in total control and you're still a liar
I can't drink from the cup
I question your authority
You gotta 'fess up
You're in total control and your faith is tired
I can't drink from the cup
Where is truth in the trinity
You gotta 'fess up
If the affects you it's hard to tell
You spent too many cold days in your cell
Never been one to admit that something, might be wrong
I never gave a damn
I was never even a fan
The only thing that makes me smile is your pain
If I ever had the chance
I'd kick out your chair just to watch you dance
Irrelevant, your vanity prevents change
Sodium Pentathol still sounds great to me
An imitation of life buried in theology
A mass delusion, there's no confusion
Just a hypocrite
Who'd never cop to it
You're in total control and you're still a liar
I can't drink from the cup
I question your authority
You gotta 'fess up
You're in total control and your faith is tired
I can't drink from the cup
Where is truth in the trinity
You gotta 'fess up
Cop to it
You're in total control and you're still a liar
You're in total control and your faith is still
I can't drink from the cup
'Fess up
We'd have to make it a holiday
'Cause we both know that day would never come again
If one day your word was as good as gold
It'd be too late cos I'd be too old
I don't think a human being could live that long
I never gave a damn
I was never even a fan
The only thing that makes me smile is your pain
I don't even care
When did you treat anyone fair?
To say I'm not enjoying this would be insane
Sodium Pentathol was an idea I had
But what does the truth mean now
To all the lost souls you've grabbed
A mass delusion, there's no confusion
Just a hypocrite
Who'd never cop to it
You're in total control and you're still a liar
I can't drink from the cup
I question your authority
You gotta 'fess up
You're in total control and your faith is tired
I can't drink from the cup
Where is truth in the trinity
You gotta 'fess up
If the affects you it's hard to tell
You spent too many cold days in your cell
Never been one to admit that something, might be wrong
I never gave a damn
I was never even a fan
The only thing that makes me smile is your pain
If I ever had the chance
I'd kick out your chair just to watch you dance
Irrelevant, your vanity prevents change
Sodium Pentathol still sounds great to me
An imitation of life buried in theology
A mass delusion, there's no confusion
Just a hypocrite
Who'd never cop to it
You're in total control and you're still a liar
I can't drink from the cup
I question your authority
You gotta 'fess up
You're in total control and your faith is tired
I can't drink from the cup
Where is truth in the trinity
You gotta 'fess up
Cop to it
You're in total control and you're still a liar
You're in total control and your faith is still
I can't drink from the cup
'Fess up
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Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
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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/
Bobby is definitely on the right track here. However, I think specifically this song is about religious leaders that spread lies and deceit to retain power.
There are certain repeated lines in the song that I think point to this. First of all, all the language in the song makes it obvious this is about someone that (a) lies and (b) has power. Sodium pentathol, by the way, is a anesthesia most notably used in interrogations. It's sometimes called "truth serum".
There are several lines though that also point towards religion.
"To all the lost souls you've grabbed" Saving "lost souls" is a common theme in many religions, mostly Christianity.
"A mass delusion, mass delusion" Religion is often called a mass delusion.
"I can't drink from the cup" This reminds me of two things. First, the wine used in Christian communion. Second, the Jonestown massacre in which people drank poisoned Kool-Aid. Both involve liquid and run with the theme of control through deceit.
"..and your faith is tired" Obviously, faith is a common tool of religions.
"Where is truth in the trinity?" The Trinity being a central aspect of Christianity, this could easily be a questioning of the truth of religion here.
Finally, "An imitation of life buried in theology" I can't think of anything other than religion that involves theology.
I'm somewhat leaning towards this being specifically about the Pope and the atrocities he's committed, but that's just my theory. And admittedly, I am pretty anti-theistic, and am therefore more disposed towards these interpretations than most people, so there you go.
Also the "chair" could be the one behind the altar, where the priest sits. I think this could be not about the pope but about a priest which dissapointed one of the band members in some way, therefore making him kind of raging against religion.<br /> <br /> You could see something more about that in Invisible, in the same album.
I'm pretty sure it's about someone who lies alot