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.
I work on the front line
I work to survive
And I sleep in a fever
So this is my life
I cry in my sleep (cry boy, cry boy)
It just makes me weep when I try, how I try
I know what it means to work hard on machines
It's a labour of love so please don't ask me why
Looking for reasons (day in, day out)
Trying too hard (he's trying too hard)
Moving in circles (too hot, too hot)
Don't get very far (don't get very far)
Should I ask you to dance? (dance boy, dance boy)
If I promise romance would you come for the ride?
I know what it means to work hard on machines
Do you believe in love, one that lasts for all time?
(chorus)
You take me up, oh hoh,
You take me up to the higher ground
You take me up so high
Now I never want to come back down
I'm glad in these hard times (day in, day out)
There's hope in your eyes (hope in his eyes)
I don't need a religion (too hot, too hot)
Cause this love never dies (love never dies)
I believe in today (believe boy, believe boy)
It's better that way and you work through the night
I know what it means to work hard on machines
It's a labour of love, so please don't ask me why
(REPEAT CHORUS)
I cry in my sleep (cry boy, cry boy)
It just makes me weep when I try, how I try
I know what it means to work hard on machines
It's a labour of love so please don't ask me why
(REPEAT CHORUS x 2)
I work to survive
And I sleep in a fever
So this is my life
I cry in my sleep (cry boy, cry boy)
It just makes me weep when I try, how I try
I know what it means to work hard on machines
It's a labour of love so please don't ask me why
Looking for reasons (day in, day out)
Trying too hard (he's trying too hard)
Moving in circles (too hot, too hot)
Don't get very far (don't get very far)
Should I ask you to dance? (dance boy, dance boy)
If I promise romance would you come for the ride?
I know what it means to work hard on machines
Do you believe in love, one that lasts for all time?
(chorus)
You take me up, oh hoh,
You take me up to the higher ground
You take me up so high
Now I never want to come back down
I'm glad in these hard times (day in, day out)
There's hope in your eyes (hope in his eyes)
I don't need a religion (too hot, too hot)
Cause this love never dies (love never dies)
I believe in today (believe boy, believe boy)
It's better that way and you work through the night
I know what it means to work hard on machines
It's a labour of love, so please don't ask me why
(REPEAT CHORUS)
I cry in my sleep (cry boy, cry boy)
It just makes me weep when I try, how I try
I know what it means to work hard on machines
It's a labour of love so please don't ask me why
(REPEAT CHORUS x 2)
Lyrics submitted by DogsPajamas
You Take Me Up Lyrics as written by Joseph Martin Leeway Alannah Joy Currie
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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"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.
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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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,
It's about The Thompson Twins and their joy when they first encountered an elevator.
@JLoDaMofo I-<br /> What-<br />
I can't believe that no one has commented on this song.
It's meaning is clarified in the line:
"I know what it means to work HARDON machines."
It's about masturbation.