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.
Our Danny boy
He was a ladies man
Our Danny boy
Oh yes he had a plan
To find the perfect bird
And no he didn't mind if he had to try a few along the way
Oh no he didn't mind
He'd cruise around
The bars and clubs in town
He'd scout the birds
He'd look ‘em up and down
He'd take his charm and then he'd switch it on
He knew which buttons he had to press it didn't involve no web address
She might look good yeah
She might look nice
She might have the perfect form
But will you still want to squeeze those cheeks when she's 34?
Extremely literate
you know in FHM
From nuts to loaded
He studies all of them
But he doesn't go near no not the top shelf
Cause bringing classy birds back to his flat don't wana see no filth
Like a young Michael Caine
Alfie's the character
Or perhaps a bit more tough, like in “Get Carter”
He'll pull the women in
And then he'll spit them out
Unless she's got a chest
Like Kelly Brook or Angelina's pout
She might look good yeah
She might look nice
She might get inside your head
But will she still be your Angelina Jolie when she farts in bed?
Now he's found the perfect looking bird
They've moved in it's 6 months on
She's got the body of a celebrity
Lying by him in a thong
He thought his plan was flawless
He thought he'd had it figured out
But after 6 months living with this chick she's turned into a lout
Because she snores she farts yeah she burps then laughs
She leaves her toenail clippings in the bath
And our Danny boy's thoughts confirm that she won't even be his other half
He was a ladies man
Our Danny boy
Oh yes he had a plan
To find the perfect bird
And no he didn't mind if he had to try a few along the way
Oh no he didn't mind
He'd cruise around
The bars and clubs in town
He'd scout the birds
He'd look ‘em up and down
He'd take his charm and then he'd switch it on
He knew which buttons he had to press it didn't involve no web address
She might look good yeah
She might look nice
She might have the perfect form
But will you still want to squeeze those cheeks when she's 34?
Extremely literate
you know in FHM
From nuts to loaded
He studies all of them
But he doesn't go near no not the top shelf
Cause bringing classy birds back to his flat don't wana see no filth
Like a young Michael Caine
Alfie's the character
Or perhaps a bit more tough, like in “Get Carter”
He'll pull the women in
And then he'll spit them out
Unless she's got a chest
Like Kelly Brook or Angelina's pout
She might look good yeah
She might look nice
She might get inside your head
But will she still be your Angelina Jolie when she farts in bed?
Now he's found the perfect looking bird
They've moved in it's 6 months on
She's got the body of a celebrity
Lying by him in a thong
He thought his plan was flawless
He thought he'd had it figured out
But after 6 months living with this chick she's turned into a lout
Because she snores she farts yeah she burps then laughs
She leaves her toenail clippings in the bath
And our Danny boy's thoughts confirm that she won't even be his other half
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Light Up The Sky
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Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
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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.
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.
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
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/