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.
This is your life, yo
You got ups and you got downs, man
You got downs and you got ups
We all go through the same thing on different days, man
Don't act like you ain't like me
What, you don't put your pants on one leg at a time
What's going on with you, playa?
Let me tell you somethin', man
I'm ready to tell you about
Your life on this one, look at here
These the things we all go through
It's everyday life for me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just just tell a story, tell a story
Where can I start? Start at the part
Me at the part, playin' this part
Provin' this role, waitin' on old
Just got fronted at eight for that blow
Now you run the pot, watch me rock
Back on the block with a few in the sock
Doing the heavy, cops in the Chevy
Scopin' his every move already
Smooth and deadly, cool his belly
Probably get popped right in front of the deli
The ghetto to mallon, his tools was heavy
His crew was ready to do whatevy
Got juice but not tryin' to turn in the power
Ain't burnin' the pot, now you watchin' me rock
Chop, drop, swap, we cop, chop, drop, swap, we cop
Chop, stop, you pop, we cops
Swallow that working ?
Only thirteen, he ain't know what it mean
But he lovin' the green the American dream
His momma says stop, his father was hot
Couldn't just stop 'cause he coulda got shot
They move him down south to straighten him out
And he's still selling dope by the big warmer house
But what you gon' do when it's all up to you?
Stuck in this cell with nothing to do
But tell a story, tell a story
These are the things we all go through
It's everyday life for me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just just tell a story, tell a story
Jenny was bad, she stayed on suspension
Hung around guys, she liked that attention
Give her daddy an honorable mention
He wrote her letters while he was in prison
Brother ain't home, momma was gone
Working them doubles, now she all alone
Stuck at the crib with no food or a phone
What you thinkin'? Your girl gon' be on
Party at Jam's house, people would come
Sippin' that scissor, hitten them blunts
Underage kids could come and get drunk
Did I hit it? Well, maybe just once
She had a boyfriend, they was in love
He had a job, he was sellin' the
Same shit's on the streets
Now she gettin' two letters a week singin'
What is the loneliest number that you'll ever do?
When your looking for love and daddy ain't there to hug
And two is the loneliest number is as bad as one
When your hurtin' your soul thinking you're makin' a feelin' at home but
These are the thing we all go through
It's everyday life for me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just tell a story, tell a story
This is starting to get old
Got me feelin' like a whales in fish bowl
When the city where summers can get cold
When ? your home is gonna get stole
Everybody and your momma got bad credit
It don't matter, we ball like we athletic
On the run from the cops till we asthmatic
In a house with a bill ?
This ain't nothin' but life for ghetto youths
That I'm writing spitting this little booth
If I lie, I still mix it with little truth
When I go down, nigga, I'm living proof
Don't get mad 'cause I'm stuck in this glory
And y'all rappers ain't go nothing to for me
But right now, I guess the story's over, story's over
These are the thing we all go through
It's everyday life just me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just tell a story, tell a story
These are the thing we all go through
It's everyday life for me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just tell a story, tell a story
Ryhmefest, a leader of records, man
We document this story for you
Puttin' it down, Chicago, ma, ya
We just tell a story, nigga, don't borey
We outta here
You got ups and you got downs, man
You got downs and you got ups
We all go through the same thing on different days, man
Don't act like you ain't like me
What, you don't put your pants on one leg at a time
What's going on with you, playa?
Let me tell you somethin', man
I'm ready to tell you about
Your life on this one, look at here
These the things we all go through
It's everyday life for me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just just tell a story, tell a story
Where can I start? Start at the part
Me at the part, playin' this part
Provin' this role, waitin' on old
Just got fronted at eight for that blow
Now you run the pot, watch me rock
Back on the block with a few in the sock
Doing the heavy, cops in the Chevy
Scopin' his every move already
Smooth and deadly, cool his belly
Probably get popped right in front of the deli
The ghetto to mallon, his tools was heavy
His crew was ready to do whatevy
Got juice but not tryin' to turn in the power
Ain't burnin' the pot, now you watchin' me rock
Chop, drop, swap, we cop, chop, drop, swap, we cop
Chop, stop, you pop, we cops
Swallow that working ?
Only thirteen, he ain't know what it mean
But he lovin' the green the American dream
His momma says stop, his father was hot
Couldn't just stop 'cause he coulda got shot
They move him down south to straighten him out
And he's still selling dope by the big warmer house
But what you gon' do when it's all up to you?
Stuck in this cell with nothing to do
But tell a story, tell a story
These are the things we all go through
It's everyday life for me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just just tell a story, tell a story
Jenny was bad, she stayed on suspension
Hung around guys, she liked that attention
Give her daddy an honorable mention
He wrote her letters while he was in prison
Brother ain't home, momma was gone
Working them doubles, now she all alone
Stuck at the crib with no food or a phone
What you thinkin'? Your girl gon' be on
Party at Jam's house, people would come
Sippin' that scissor, hitten them blunts
Underage kids could come and get drunk
Did I hit it? Well, maybe just once
She had a boyfriend, they was in love
He had a job, he was sellin' the
Same shit's on the streets
Now she gettin' two letters a week singin'
What is the loneliest number that you'll ever do?
When your looking for love and daddy ain't there to hug
And two is the loneliest number is as bad as one
When your hurtin' your soul thinking you're makin' a feelin' at home but
These are the thing we all go through
It's everyday life for me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just tell a story, tell a story
This is starting to get old
Got me feelin' like a whales in fish bowl
When the city where summers can get cold
When ? your home is gonna get stole
Everybody and your momma got bad credit
It don't matter, we ball like we athletic
On the run from the cops till we asthmatic
In a house with a bill ?
This ain't nothin' but life for ghetto youths
That I'm writing spitting this little booth
If I lie, I still mix it with little truth
When I go down, nigga, I'm living proof
Don't get mad 'cause I'm stuck in this glory
And y'all rappers ain't go nothing to for me
But right now, I guess the story's over, story's over
These are the thing we all go through
It's everyday life just me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just tell a story, tell a story
These are the thing we all go through
It's everyday life for me and you
Don't feel bad, I know you feel bad
Things that happen everyday
Around the world or around your way
We just tell a story, tell a story
Ryhmefest, a leader of records, man
We document this story for you
Puttin' it down, Chicago, ma, ya
We just tell a story, nigga, don't borey
We outta here
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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/
simple song talking about a couple of people effected by the selling of drugs, one directly and one indirectly. great beat and theme of telling a story.