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.
You can shine your Cadillac
Another way
With the last drop
Of spit
That was left in my mouth
I was watching all your TV shows the night I said goodbye
To the world I know
So raise your chin
And raise a glass
Sing here's to winning this again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Is this the look that sells the skin
Are these the names
We lose again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
You can dye your hair tonight
Another way
To match the color of
The ground
That I am buried in
I was reading all your magazines I have something
Until you took it from me
So raise your chin
And raise a glass
Sing here's to winning this again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Is this the look that sells the skin
Are these the names
We lose again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Will you hang me
From your wall? You might as well
Just because
God knows I have not
Been moving for three days now
Sing I don't care what it costs
So raise your chin
And raise a glass
Sing here's to winning this again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Is this the look that sells the skin
Are these the names
We lose again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Another way
With the last drop
Of spit
That was left in my mouth
I was watching all your TV shows the night I said goodbye
To the world I know
So raise your chin
And raise a glass
Sing here's to winning this again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Is this the look that sells the skin
Are these the names
We lose again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
You can dye your hair tonight
Another way
To match the color of
The ground
That I am buried in
I was reading all your magazines I have something
Until you took it from me
So raise your chin
And raise a glass
Sing here's to winning this again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Is this the look that sells the skin
Are these the names
We lose again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Will you hang me
From your wall? You might as well
Just because
God knows I have not
Been moving for three days now
Sing I don't care what it costs
So raise your chin
And raise a glass
Sing here's to winning this again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Is this the look that sells the skin
Are these the names
We lose again and again
Sing I don't care what it costs
Lyrics submitted by Heartahimfan666
Shine Your Cadillac Lyrics as written by Kevin James Clarkson Joseph Daniel Lauzon
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
Will you hang me from you should be Will you hang me from your wall