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.
There's a bar right across the street
He's got a need he just can't beat
Out on the floor, he shuffles his feet away
He'll get the girl 'cause he looks so fine
He's gonna win her every time
He knows he will, he's dressed to kill
He's a night owl
Move on
There's a heart of a night owl callin'
To belong
She's cryin' in the night
Be strong
And find the heart of the night owl fallin'
Stay up till dawn
Until the night is gone
What will become of the restless kind
Where do they go when they've done their time
Wearin' their hearts out on the line
For all to see
Must be the gypsy in their soul
They have a need to rock and roll
They always will
They're out there still
They're the night owls
Move on
There's a heart of a night owl callin'
To belong
She's cryin in the night
Be strong
And find the heart of the night owl fallin'
Stay up till dawn
Until the night is gone
There's a bar right across the street
He's got a need he just can't beat
Out on the floor he shuffles his feet away
He'll get the girl 'cause he looks so fine
He's gonna win her every time
He knows he will, he's out there still
He's a night owl
So move on
There's a heart of a night owl callin'
To belong
He's cryin' in the night
Be strong
And find the heart of the night owl fallin'
Stay up till dawn until the night is gone
The night goes on and on
Until the night is gone.
He's got a need he just can't beat
Out on the floor, he shuffles his feet away
He'll get the girl 'cause he looks so fine
He's gonna win her every time
He knows he will, he's dressed to kill
He's a night owl
Move on
There's a heart of a night owl callin'
To belong
She's cryin' in the night
Be strong
And find the heart of the night owl fallin'
Stay up till dawn
Until the night is gone
What will become of the restless kind
Where do they go when they've done their time
Wearin' their hearts out on the line
For all to see
Must be the gypsy in their soul
They have a need to rock and roll
They always will
They're out there still
They're the night owls
Move on
There's a heart of a night owl callin'
To belong
She's cryin in the night
Be strong
And find the heart of the night owl fallin'
Stay up till dawn
Until the night is gone
There's a bar right across the street
He's got a need he just can't beat
Out on the floor he shuffles his feet away
He'll get the girl 'cause he looks so fine
He's gonna win her every time
He knows he will, he's out there still
He's a night owl
So move on
There's a heart of a night owl callin'
To belong
He's cryin' in the night
Be strong
And find the heart of the night owl fallin'
Stay up till dawn until the night is gone
The night goes on and on
Until the night is gone.
Lyrics submitted by Madcappunk
Night Owls Lyrics as written by Graham Goble
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, 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
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Back in the day.