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 tried to read between the lines you wrote inside your black notebook
But your heart is like a worm and you won't let me in unless I'm dirt.
So all day I'll eat the mud you walk upon on your front lawn
The neighbors wonder what I'm doing, have I lost my mind consuming
All the shit that you had left as if you knew I would fertilize your past...
Don't try to warn me that you are an island
And there's no room for fighters
And a woman who can't learn how to please a man
Well I've read my fair share of science books
And baby, baby you're no man...
I have no choice but to dissect you with the laser beam that I built last year
when the ice caps melted and oh, the world was captive by your fear!
Or should I kill you while you're sleeping?
I'll give you drugs and drag you to the street
The sun is high and bright, I'll grab that magnifying glass
And watch you die you die you die you die!
Don't try to warn me that you are an island
And there's no room for fighters
And a woman who can't learn how to please a man
Well I've read my fair share of arson books
And baby, baby you're so dead...
But your heart is like a worm and you won't let me in unless I'm dirt.
So all day I'll eat the mud you walk upon on your front lawn
The neighbors wonder what I'm doing, have I lost my mind consuming
All the shit that you had left as if you knew I would fertilize your past...
Don't try to warn me that you are an island
And there's no room for fighters
And a woman who can't learn how to please a man
Well I've read my fair share of science books
And baby, baby you're no man...
I have no choice but to dissect you with the laser beam that I built last year
when the ice caps melted and oh, the world was captive by your fear!
Or should I kill you while you're sleeping?
I'll give you drugs and drag you to the street
The sun is high and bright, I'll grab that magnifying glass
And watch you die you die you die you die!
Don't try to warn me that you are an island
And there's no room for fighters
And a woman who can't learn how to please a man
Well I've read my fair share of arson books
And baby, baby you're so dead...
Lyrics submitted by solvent_d
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
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/
I love how folky this is. I always kind of thought it was about that thing that guys do when they push away respectable girls that they might actually feel something for, and instead go for the easy ones because they're afraid of getting emotionally involved.
"...and you won't let me in unless I'm dirt."
And of course, the frustration coming from the girl who loves him/the girl being pushed away. It's the whole "I hate you because I love you, why can't you let me in?" scenario.