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.
Hey kid listen, Im trying to tell you about the human condition
You are your own black hole.
Hey kid listen, Im giving depth to your flat world vision.
You are your own black hole.
Disown what you cant control
You are your own black hole
Silence, can you hear it?
Its the sound of a man without spirit.
And the walls keep crumbling down around a self made victim.
I got this rope to pull you up but I cant save you if you wont grab a hold.
I cant save you if you wont save yourself.
I tried to heal your heart.
I tried to sail your shipwreck in the dark
This is the fine art of swinging and missing.
This is the fine art of sinking and swimming.
You see, it takes time to find a balance in such things.
Youll learn the fine art of crossing burnt bridges.
Old friend, fight physics.
Forget the cynicism in my lyrics.
You and I will laugh one day at our foolish mistakes.
With my bare hands, I will dig you out.
But I cant save you if you wont grab a hold.
I cant love you if you wont love yourself.
Hey kid, listen. Just dont suck me in.
You are your own black hole.
Hey kid listen, Im giving depth to your flat world vision.
You are your own black hole.
Disown what you cant control
You are your own black hole
Silence, can you hear it?
Its the sound of a man without spirit.
And the walls keep crumbling down around a self made victim.
I got this rope to pull you up but I cant save you if you wont grab a hold.
I cant save you if you wont save yourself.
I tried to heal your heart.
I tried to sail your shipwreck in the dark
This is the fine art of swinging and missing.
This is the fine art of sinking and swimming.
You see, it takes time to find a balance in such things.
Youll learn the fine art of crossing burnt bridges.
Old friend, fight physics.
Forget the cynicism in my lyrics.
You and I will laugh one day at our foolish mistakes.
With my bare hands, I will dig you out.
But I cant save you if you wont grab a hold.
I cant love you if you wont love yourself.
Hey kid, listen. Just dont suck me in.
Lyrics submitted by BulletproofScales
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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.
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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/
haha two stepping greatness here =) i love this song, ODTW are have definately got better since PTT.
love this fuckin band!!! this song reminds me of one of my old friends and how sick in the head he was and I tried to help him but he didn't help himself so we decided not to be friends anymore
and now his life is going downhill
it sucks but his own fault
i think these lyrics are insanely true. the only person who can truly save you is yourself. yeah, there might be people along the way who will be there for you, but only as a temporary crutch. in the end all you've got is yourself and your own strength. "But I cant save you if you wont grab a hold. I cant love you if you won't love yourself." it's up to you and how you are willing to live.