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.
I have to sell my soul to you
And that's just to pay for its renewal
How long have you been at it
How many fingers am I holding up
I know I was away for a while
But now I'm back does it make any difference
This woman's in a state
Better tie her up
Put her on my plate
And I'll make her smile again
That's the point
Nobody ever asked you how you feel
You are trapped
Don't waste your energy
You are trapped
Don't waste your energy
Cracked up woman
On the run
See it weighs me down
Like tar in your lung
You are dropped don't waste your energy
Waste your energy
You said that night that we might run away
And yes we'll end up in some better place
And once we'd gone there'd be no coming back
Why should you beg forgiveness, from us
For the pleasure you give us
You're just trapped
Don't waste your energy
You said that night that we might run away
And yes we'll end up in some better place
And once we'd gone there'd be no coming back
And that's just to pay for its renewal
How long have you been at it
How many fingers am I holding up
I know I was away for a while
But now I'm back does it make any difference
This woman's in a state
Better tie her up
Put her on my plate
And I'll make her smile again
That's the point
Nobody ever asked you how you feel
You are trapped
Don't waste your energy
You are trapped
Don't waste your energy
Cracked up woman
On the run
See it weighs me down
Like tar in your lung
You are dropped don't waste your energy
Waste your energy
You said that night that we might run away
And yes we'll end up in some better place
And once we'd gone there'd be no coming back
Why should you beg forgiveness, from us
For the pleasure you give us
You're just trapped
Don't waste your energy
You said that night that we might run away
And yes we'll end up in some better place
And once we'd gone there'd be no coming back
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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.
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
I think I'll have to churn over what this song means. But my first impression was there is some form of abuse going on - "You are trapped, don't waste your energy" and even more obviously, "Why should you beg forgiveness, from us - for the pleasure you give us". And I can't get my head around "You said that night that we might run away....etc" ... It's probably a relationship gone wrong. Where the girl wronged the guy somehow... I really like this song, just not too sure what it means
I thought it was about a woman that is trapped in a relationship, and the song is from another man that she is in love with.. However, I thought the line was "why should you beg forgiveness for the pleasures you give up."
I don't have the liner notes, so I bet this is correct... But I guess I have to churn, as well :)