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.
In the pub where we learnt how to talk about bands
You stand all dressed up with your vodka in hand
Oh girl, you’re waiting for a pitiful man
In the pub, at the bar with the old men I am
Alone with a pint of bitter in my hand
For a girl this is not an acceptable plan
Wipe your eyes darling, it’s OK
Meet me on the dual carriage way
Separated by motorways
The A14 and the A1
Separated by motorways
Two lonely girls go on the run
I heard from the boys you were down on your knees last night
They were worried you were looking a sight
Oh girl you’re too wonderful
At work locked away in the north where
I can’t escape from the people and the records I hate
No wonder I’m always 15 minutes late
Wipe your eyes darling, it’s OK
Meet me on the dual carriage way
Separated by motorways
The A14 and the A1
Separated by motorways
Two lonely girls go on the run
Separated by motorways
The A14 and the A1
Separated by motorways
Two lonely girls go on the run
Two lonely girls go on the run
Two lonely girls go on the run
You stand all dressed up with your vodka in hand
Oh girl, you’re waiting for a pitiful man
In the pub, at the bar with the old men I am
Alone with a pint of bitter in my hand
For a girl this is not an acceptable plan
Wipe your eyes darling, it’s OK
Meet me on the dual carriage way
Separated by motorways
The A14 and the A1
Separated by motorways
Two lonely girls go on the run
I heard from the boys you were down on your knees last night
They were worried you were looking a sight
Oh girl you’re too wonderful
At work locked away in the north where
I can’t escape from the people and the records I hate
No wonder I’m always 15 minutes late
Wipe your eyes darling, it’s OK
Meet me on the dual carriage way
Separated by motorways
The A14 and the A1
Separated by motorways
Two lonely girls go on the run
Separated by motorways
The A14 and the A1
Separated by motorways
Two lonely girls go on the run
Two lonely girls go on the run
Two lonely girls go on the run
Lyrics submitted by Shades
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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.
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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”
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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,
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“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.
=O i can't believe no one's commented on this yet! it's such an amazing song! don't know why, but the title really reminds me of the smiths... just sounds like the kind of thing morrissey would say. anyway, yeah, basically, i figured it was about girls who put out too much and she's telling them they don't need to...
or something to that effect. but when i first heard it i did imagine it being a long distance relationship.. which i suppose it still could be if it's a man who wrote it and kate jackson singing it.
but it's so so so catchy, i hear it in the morning and end up whistling it all day ;)
=O i can't believe no one's commented on this yet! it's such an amazing song! don't know why, but the title really reminds me of the smiths... just sounds like the kind of thing morrissey would say. anyway, yeah, basically, i figured it was about girls who put out too much and she's telling them they don't need to...
or something to that effect. but when i first heard it i did imagine it being a long distance relationship.. which i suppose it still could be if it's a man who wrote it and kate jackson singing it.
but it's so so so catchy, i hear it in the morning and end up whistling it all day ;)
this song definately reminds me of thelma and louise! girls on the run, leaving their boring, same-ish lifestyles. i love it. x
I think the first line is 'In the pub where we learnt to talk about bands', and yeah it definitely has a Smith-esque title.
The romanticism among urban settings is also quite Smiths/Suede/Pulp like.
I always thought this track was about escapism and Kate did mention that the A14 and A1 were the two motorways from her hometown of Bury St. Edmonds to the place where The Long Blondes were formed, my hometown of Sheffield.
This song is so catchy and exciting. I agree with muffin333, it's about two girls escaping from their problems by running off together!
Wow this has to be one of the best long blondes songs! I love it and I can relate to it in so many ways.. For me it talks about running away from your lame life you have in somewhere you don't belong.. Kate had always wanted to move to Sheffield as her hero Jarvis Cocker came from there and this song to me shows how she was separated from the life and place that was her. I love the line "for a girl this is not an acceptable plan" To me this song somes up how I feel at the moment as I live down south and My boyfriend lives in Sheffield and We really are separated by Motorways..