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 you take a life do you know what you'll give?
Odds are you won't like what it is
When the storm arrives would you be seen with me
By the merciless eyes I've deceived?
I've seen angels fall from blinding heights
But you yourself are nothing so divine
Just next in line
Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you, are you willing to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
You know my name
If you come inside things will not be the same
When you return to the night
And if you think you've won you never saw me change
The game that we've all been playing
I've seen this diamond cut through harder men
Than you yourself but if you must pretend
You may meet your end
Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you, are you willing to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
Try to hide your hand
Forget how to feel (forget how to feel)
Life is gone with just a spin of the wheel (spin of the wheel)
Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you, are you ready to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
Odds are you won't like what it is
When the storm arrives would you be seen with me
By the merciless eyes I've deceived?
I've seen angels fall from blinding heights
But you yourself are nothing so divine
Just next in line
Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you, are you willing to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
You know my name
If you come inside things will not be the same
When you return to the night
And if you think you've won you never saw me change
The game that we've all been playing
I've seen this diamond cut through harder men
Than you yourself but if you must pretend
You may meet your end
Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you, are you willing to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
Try to hide your hand
Forget how to feel (forget how to feel)
Life is gone with just a spin of the wheel (spin of the wheel)
Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you, are you ready to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
You know my name
Lyrics submitted by omgwut, edited by markydissod
You Know My Name Lyrics as written by David Arnold Chris Cornell
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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/
Head > Heels
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“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
Isn't it "the merciless eyes I've deceived"?
No
Actually I think it is. To me, there's a very distinct "-ved" sound at the end of that phrase. It doesn't really sound like "deceiT", and more like "deceiVED". Doesn't really help either that I've and of sound similar in the right context.
@Twelvie <br /> <br /> It 100% is. Every site has the same two mistakes in it, and it's driving me nuts. You can hear it really obviously if you listen closely, plus the song makes way more sense this way.<br /> <br /> First line is "If you take a life, do you know what YOU'LL GAIN? Odds are you won't like what it is."<br /> <br /> As in, having the courage to kill is only the start, you have to live with the guilt for the rest of your life, a burden that most don't handle well. What is 'you give' supposed to mean here?<br /> <br /> "When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me by the merciless eyes I'VE DECEIVED?"<br /> <br /> Of deceit makes absolutely no sense here. He's a spy whose job it is to trick very dangerous people. And if caught, he and everyone he knows will be subjected to brutal retribution. So because of his line of work, just being someone who knows bond is incredibly risky. You don't want his enemies to know who you are.<br /> . <br /> <br />
@Twelvie <br /> <br /> It 100% is. Every site has the same two mistakes in it, and it's driving me nuts. You can hear it really obviously if you listen closely, plus the song makes way more sense this way.<br /> <br /> First line is "If you take a life, do you know what YOU'LL GAIN? Odds are you won't like what it is."<br /> <br /> As in, having the courage to kill is only the start, you have to live with the guilt for the rest of your life, a burden that most don't handle well. Plus, this way there's subtle word play between the verbs 'take' and 'gain', i like the idea that what you take and what you gain are two different things, like it somehow transforms once the act is complete.<br /> <br /> What is 'you give' supposed to mean here?<br /> <br /> "When the storm arrives, would you be seen with me by the merciless eyes I'VE DECEIVED?"<br /> <br /> Of deceit makes absolutely no sense here. He's a spy whose job it is to trick very dangerous people. And if caught, he and everyone he knows will be subjected to brutal retribution. So because of his line of work, just being someone who knows bond is incredibly risky. You don't want his enemies to know who you are.<br /> . <br /> <br />