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.
Uh-ohh.
Tell you that the world is never gonna end
Don't open your eyes to them I can
[x2]
So we all strive to do the best we can
Clouding their eyes with ivory lies
Build a safe haven from their whats and whys
We shelter their minds with ivory lies
At some point, they figure out...
Oh, with so much going on lyings my disguise
So innocent and sweet, that's what I adore
So much going on, I don't think your ready for
Oh oh oh oh ohh, lyings my disguise
What you don't know, what you don't know
Can't hurt you
You can't regret the choices you've made
The choices you've made
Life is in you today
When you make your tomorrow
Why? Why the White Lies?
Oh, so much going on lyings my disguise
So innocent and sweet, that's what I adore
So much going on, I don't think your ready for
Oh oh oh oh ohh, lyings my disguise
What you don't know, what you don't know
Can't hurt you
You cry white lies
Oh, so much going on lyings my disguise
So innocent and sweet, that's what I adore
So much going on, I don't think your ready for
Oh oh oh oh ohh, lyings my disguise
What you don't know, what you don't know
Can't hurt you
So we all strive to do the best we can
Clouding their eyes with ivory lies
Build a safe haven from their whats and whys
We shelter their minds with ivory lies
At some point.
They figure out...
Tell you that the world is never gonna end
Don't open your eyes to them I can
[x2]
So we all strive to do the best we can
Clouding their eyes with ivory lies
Build a safe haven from their whats and whys
We shelter their minds with ivory lies
At some point, they figure out...
Oh, with so much going on lyings my disguise
So innocent and sweet, that's what I adore
So much going on, I don't think your ready for
Oh oh oh oh ohh, lyings my disguise
What you don't know, what you don't know
Can't hurt you
You can't regret the choices you've made
The choices you've made
Life is in you today
When you make your tomorrow
Why? Why the White Lies?
Oh, so much going on lyings my disguise
So innocent and sweet, that's what I adore
So much going on, I don't think your ready for
Oh oh oh oh ohh, lyings my disguise
What you don't know, what you don't know
Can't hurt you
You cry white lies
Oh, so much going on lyings my disguise
So innocent and sweet, that's what I adore
So much going on, I don't think your ready for
Oh oh oh oh ohh, lyings my disguise
What you don't know, what you don't know
Can't hurt you
So we all strive to do the best we can
Clouding their eyes with ivory lies
Build a safe haven from their whats and whys
We shelter their minds with ivory lies
At some point.
They figure out...
Lyrics submitted by hopelesslyfucked
White Lies Lyrics as written by Kevin Howard Gruft Eliot P Berube
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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.
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
why has no one commented on this song? its amazing. about the government telling lies to cover things they dont want the public to know? or maybe on a smaller scale, he's in a relationship and his girl cheats on him and lies about it?