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.
To tell the truth it's really such a sad affair
Standing here waiting in the cold night air
But I've got to make this call
Cause my heart is breaking.
I hear the bips drop a coin in the slot
Has it been that long
I thought you'd forgotten me
Well I know that it's getting late
But I just couldn't wait
Will I have the nerve to say
I just wanna come back
You shouldn't just go away
I just wanna come back
Ive been struck by such a bad luck
I need a place a little happiness and some love
I think I can see it now
Now let me paint the picture
Its twelve o'clock and the curtains are drawn
They're counting sheep down in orchard road
You're hanging on the telephone line tonight
And I wish I could be in orchard road
Not much been happening here
I think Ive got a job
They're gonna call me next week
And I'll be working out of town
But it sure beats hanging around
What's that? Tomorrow at two
You're kidding me, no
Is it alright with you
I don't know what to say
It'll be like a holiday
When you say you're all alone
Makes me wanna come back
And this house is not a home
I just gotta go back
Its twelve ten when I put down the phone
The moons shining down on orchard road
And I'm feeling like a schoolboy again and tonight
Ill see you in my dreams of orchard road
Its funny but I thought I'd never go back
I think sometimes I might loose track
But I remember you and the things we do
And I want it back.
In orchard road you've got my heart
I left it in your doorway
In orchard road a welcome back
Is waiting there just for me
In orchard road the sun will shine
Again I know I know
In orchard road you keep my love
Just waiting there for me
Its eight o'clock and the dawns arrived
In orchard road it's breakfast time
I climb in my car and I turn the key and I'm gone
I am coming home
To orchard road
I'm coming home
Standing here waiting in the cold night air
But I've got to make this call
Cause my heart is breaking.
I hear the bips drop a coin in the slot
Has it been that long
I thought you'd forgotten me
Well I know that it's getting late
But I just couldn't wait
Will I have the nerve to say
I just wanna come back
You shouldn't just go away
I just wanna come back
Ive been struck by such a bad luck
I need a place a little happiness and some love
I think I can see it now
Now let me paint the picture
Its twelve o'clock and the curtains are drawn
They're counting sheep down in orchard road
You're hanging on the telephone line tonight
And I wish I could be in orchard road
Not much been happening here
I think Ive got a job
They're gonna call me next week
And I'll be working out of town
But it sure beats hanging around
What's that? Tomorrow at two
You're kidding me, no
Is it alright with you
I don't know what to say
It'll be like a holiday
When you say you're all alone
Makes me wanna come back
And this house is not a home
I just gotta go back
Its twelve ten when I put down the phone
The moons shining down on orchard road
And I'm feeling like a schoolboy again and tonight
Ill see you in my dreams of orchard road
Its funny but I thought I'd never go back
I think sometimes I might loose track
But I remember you and the things we do
And I want it back.
In orchard road you've got my heart
I left it in your doorway
In orchard road a welcome back
Is waiting there just for me
In orchard road the sun will shine
Again I know I know
In orchard road you keep my love
Just waiting there for me
Its eight o'clock and the dawns arrived
In orchard road it's breakfast time
I climb in my car and I turn the key and I'm gone
I am coming home
To orchard road
I'm coming home
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Yo La Tengo
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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,
Just A Little Lovin'
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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/
Punchline
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Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
Can't believe nobody has commented on this perfect song. You don't have to be endorsing Leo Sayer's afro hairstyle to appreciate this track - If you're old enough to remember when folk didn't have mobiles, and you'd walk through the cold & wet to get to that phone box to call someone special, and try to make up....?