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.
Well I barely woke this morning on the cold ground by the sea.
And I opened up my eyes and those black clouds are all I see.
And I wonder if someone's up there,
If the black clouds can see me,
And the clouds keep rolling on in
The supersonic jet plane taking people everywhere.
Well, i wish that i could go there, I wish I could be somewhere.
But i know I'm still right here,
And I know here is still nowhere,
And the clouds keep rolling on in.
Well tell me, what am I gonna do?
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
To make it clear.
So I can get my head straight,
I can see the sun.
Well I went down to have my fortune told.
Well I went to see the gypsy to have my fortune told.
She said "You ain't got no future, you ain't never growing old,"
And the clouds keep rolling on in.
Well, how many times have I defied the cold clutches of death?
And how many times have I stopped short from taking that last step?
And every time I've tried to hurt you, I have only hurt hurt myself,
And the clouds keep rolling on in.
Well tell me, what am I gonna do?
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
To make it clear,
Well I can't get my head straight,
I can't see the sun.
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
So I can see,
So i can be the same as everyone.
Well, I hear them whisper,
Pounding, pounding in my head until it all sounds the same.
If I don't see the sun soon then I know I'll go insane.
And if this is where I belong,
Well how long will I remain?
And the clouds keep rolling on in.
Well tell me, what am I gonna do?
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
To make it clear,
Well I can't get my head straight,
I can't see the sun.
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
So I can see,
So I can be the same, the same as everyone.
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
'Cause I can't see
And I can't be the same, the same as everyone.
And I opened up my eyes and those black clouds are all I see.
And I wonder if someone's up there,
If the black clouds can see me,
And the clouds keep rolling on in
The supersonic jet plane taking people everywhere.
Well, i wish that i could go there, I wish I could be somewhere.
But i know I'm still right here,
And I know here is still nowhere,
And the clouds keep rolling on in.
Well tell me, what am I gonna do?
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
To make it clear.
So I can get my head straight,
I can see the sun.
Well I went down to have my fortune told.
Well I went to see the gypsy to have my fortune told.
She said "You ain't got no future, you ain't never growing old,"
And the clouds keep rolling on in.
Well, how many times have I defied the cold clutches of death?
And how many times have I stopped short from taking that last step?
And every time I've tried to hurt you, I have only hurt hurt myself,
And the clouds keep rolling on in.
Well tell me, what am I gonna do?
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
To make it clear,
Well I can't get my head straight,
I can't see the sun.
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
So I can see,
So i can be the same as everyone.
Well, I hear them whisper,
Pounding, pounding in my head until it all sounds the same.
If I don't see the sun soon then I know I'll go insane.
And if this is where I belong,
Well how long will I remain?
And the clouds keep rolling on in.
Well tell me, what am I gonna do?
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
To make it clear,
Well I can't get my head straight,
I can't see the sun.
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
So I can see,
So I can be the same, the same as everyone.
Tell me, what am I gonna do?
'Cause I can't see
And I can't be the same, the same as everyone.
Lyrics submitted by jamke
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
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.
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
awesome song