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.
Starting off it was better than this
I know it hurts but do you like to pretend
That you can just let go?
Of the grip that you hold so tight
Cause they can tell by the look in your eye
They're down a less traveled road
There's a need for change, a need to feel the waves
To feel free like the weight's gone off my shoulders
From the top of the world and I can finally breathe
And do you feel like me? Have you been through what I've been through?
Cause from the top of the world's where you can finally see
It's safe to just let go
Slow it down to recapture the words
That brought you here and taught you what you learned
They don't care that you can't stop shaking
Just understand you're alright for now
Say what you mean then make your way out
Cause you're down a dead-end road
If things don't change then go your way
To feel free like the weight's gone off my shoulders
From the top of the world and I can finally breathe
And do you feel like me? Have you been through what I've been through?
Cause from the top of the world's where you can finally see
It's safe to just let go, it's safe to just let go
You lost your way home, you lost it all, it seems
You lost your way home, you're better off
You're better off without it
Understand, understand
Understand you're alright for now
Slow it down, slow it down
Understand, understand
Understand you're alright for now
Slow it down, slow it down
To feel free like the weight's gone off my shoulders
From the top of the world and I can finally breathe
And do you feel like me? Have you been through what I've been through?
Cause from the top of the world's where you can finally see
It's safe to just let go
Have you been through what I've been through?
It's safe to just let go
Have you been through what I've been through?
I know it hurts but do you like to pretend
That you can just let go?
Of the grip that you hold so tight
Cause they can tell by the look in your eye
They're down a less traveled road
There's a need for change, a need to feel the waves
To feel free like the weight's gone off my shoulders
From the top of the world and I can finally breathe
And do you feel like me? Have you been through what I've been through?
Cause from the top of the world's where you can finally see
It's safe to just let go
Slow it down to recapture the words
That brought you here and taught you what you learned
They don't care that you can't stop shaking
Just understand you're alright for now
Say what you mean then make your way out
Cause you're down a dead-end road
If things don't change then go your way
To feel free like the weight's gone off my shoulders
From the top of the world and I can finally breathe
And do you feel like me? Have you been through what I've been through?
Cause from the top of the world's where you can finally see
It's safe to just let go, it's safe to just let go
You lost your way home, you lost it all, it seems
You lost your way home, you're better off
You're better off without it
Understand, understand
Understand you're alright for now
Slow it down, slow it down
Understand, understand
Understand you're alright for now
Slow it down, slow it down
To feel free like the weight's gone off my shoulders
From the top of the world and I can finally breathe
And do you feel like me? Have you been through what I've been through?
Cause from the top of the world's where you can finally see
It's safe to just let go
Have you been through what I've been through?
It's safe to just let go
Have you been through what I've been through?
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Light Up The Sky
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
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/
I think this song is trying to lift yourself up above bad things that might happen in your life, and maybe somewhat let go of those things, not forgetting them, but maybe attempting to somewhat move forward with your life.