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.
Out in the suburbs
I met my true found love
Out in the suburbs
I met my true found love
She gave me money
Gave me head
Gave me everything and she laid my bet
And that ain't all
She was fine but now
She's gettin' old
She was fast but now
She's gettin' slow
I can't go back to you
I can't go back to you
Can't go back
Sick and tired
Never return
To the scene of the crime
I need an alibi
I need an alibi
I need an alibi
Just to live my life
I need everything
I need everything
I need everything
In this whole world
All the money and all the girls
All the scenes and all the fun
Everything and everyone
I won't live in an ordinary world
No I won't have an ordinary girl
Can't come back
A second time
Gotta get away from the scene of the crime
Scene of the crime
I need an alibi
I need an alibi
I met my true found love
Out in the suburbs
I met my true found love
She gave me money
Gave me head
Gave me everything and she laid my bet
And that ain't all
She was fine but now
She's gettin' old
She was fast but now
She's gettin' slow
I can't go back to you
I can't go back to you
Can't go back
Sick and tired
Never return
To the scene of the crime
I need an alibi
I need an alibi
I need an alibi
Just to live my life
I need everything
I need everything
I need everything
In this whole world
All the money and all the girls
All the scenes and all the fun
Everything and everyone
I won't live in an ordinary world
No I won't have an ordinary girl
Can't come back
A second time
Gotta get away from the scene of the crime
Scene of the crime
I need an alibi
I need an alibi
Lyrics submitted by wildaboutyou
Scene of the Crime Lyrics as written by James Osterberg Iggy Pop
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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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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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/
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“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.