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.
Misery
I know you got troubles but you don't have to spread it about
Misery
You moan and you groan but all of that I can live without
Well
Until you stop worrying yourself
You'll never get anywhere with me
I'll still be hanging in there but you're still a misery
Until you learn to laugh you'll never come to any parties at my house
My house
And if you go on like this the only house you'll ever visit is the nut house
Nut house
Well
Dollar bills could fall from the sky
But still you wouldn't be satisfied
But I'm not going to let you depress me
And turn me into a misery
Until you learn to laugh you'll never come to any parties at my house
My house
And if you go on like this the only house you'll ever visit is the nut house
Nut house
You're such a misery, why don't you learn to laugh
Look in the mirror and
Don't take yourself so seriously
Ah ah ah ah
Misery
You're only happy when you're feeling totally down
Misery
I only ever see you when you're chin's hanging on the ground
Well
Until you learn to laugh at yourself
You'll never get anywhere with me
I'm down but I'm still happy but
You're such a misery, well
You're such a misery, well
You're such a misery
I know you got troubles but you don't have to spread it about
Misery
You moan and you groan but all of that I can live without
Well
Until you stop worrying yourself
You'll never get anywhere with me
I'll still be hanging in there but you're still a misery
Until you learn to laugh you'll never come to any parties at my house
My house
And if you go on like this the only house you'll ever visit is the nut house
Nut house
Well
Dollar bills could fall from the sky
But still you wouldn't be satisfied
But I'm not going to let you depress me
And turn me into a misery
Until you learn to laugh you'll never come to any parties at my house
My house
And if you go on like this the only house you'll ever visit is the nut house
Nut house
You're such a misery, why don't you learn to laugh
Look in the mirror and
Don't take yourself so seriously
Ah ah ah ah
Misery
You're only happy when you're feeling totally down
Misery
I only ever see you when you're chin's hanging on the ground
Well
Until you learn to laugh at yourself
You'll never get anywhere with me
I'm down but I'm still happy but
You're such a misery, well
You're such a misery, well
You're such a misery
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Light Up The Sky
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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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
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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”
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/