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.
so it goes
the ordinary people, they do not know
who we are or what we're doing here
they want you to pick up the phone
and hum the dial tone
you see, we should start from the top
and look at what we've done
wild flowers growing in the park
summertime, and it melts into dark
dancing together at night until two
cheering me up, and i'm thanking you
so it goes
the ordinary people, they do not know
who we are or what we're doing here
they want you to pick up the phone
and hum the dial tone
you see, we should start from the top
and look at what we've done
wild flowers growing in the park
summertime, and it melts into dark
dancing together at night until two
cheering me up, and i'm thanking you
you're cheering me up
and i'm thanking you
guess what, you're cheering me up
and i'm thanking you
the ordinary people, they do not know
who we are or what we're doing here
they want you to pick up the phone
and hum the dial tone
you see, we should start from the top
and look at what we've done
wild flowers growing in the park
summertime, and it melts into dark
dancing together at night until two
cheering me up, and i'm thanking you
so it goes
the ordinary people, they do not know
who we are or what we're doing here
they want you to pick up the phone
and hum the dial tone
you see, we should start from the top
and look at what we've done
wild flowers growing in the park
summertime, and it melts into dark
dancing together at night until two
cheering me up, and i'm thanking you
you're cheering me up
and i'm thanking you
guess what, you're cheering me up
and i'm thanking you
Lyrics submitted by erbylikewhoa
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I can't believe that no one has commented on this song, it is my favorite New Buffalo song. I think that it is musically and lyrically perfect. Her voice is so beautiful, light, and fits wonderfully with the lyrics.
The song is obviously about someone who is always able to lift her up. She recalls the wildflowers in the park and the summer that they spent together. This person is able to cheer her up and this song is a song of thanks for making her life brighter.
i can't believe people haven't commented on this, either! it's such a lovely song... i can listen to it over and over.
i'm reminded of my friends this summer... i went through a horrible year, and they cheered me up as summer came. we acted crazy and ignored calls and danced until 2 am. i love them...
such great flow to the song. I would love to see these guys live. I would be in music heaven
New Buffalo is surprisingly actually just one chick by herself, not a band. She has another girl who helps her out with instruments and what not. I saw her live as the support act for Air recently (I know, weird! Air and New Buffalo) and she was AMAZING!
so sweet when she says, "guess what? you are cheering me up and I'm thanking you"
Air & New Buffalo?? thats awesome! i wish i was there. anybody else think the "aaahhhh" part at the beginning and throughout is reminiscent of The Beatles? anyways lovely song.
This song is really good. I like it when she says "summertime, and it melts into dark dancing together at night until two cheering me up, and i'm thanking you". These lyrics are awesome. Great song