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.
Another dream interrupted
Another moment lost that I begged, stole and cheated for
I begged, stole and cheated once before
It's the 'would haves', the 'could haves'
And the 'damn I really did thats?'
Which make us who we are
We are the sun
We won't come up for just anyone
We will rest our heads for another hour
'Cause this town's still coming down
Get real or get out
Whoa whoa, nothing in this book is true
But it's exactly how things are
Whoa whoa, nothing in this book is true
So if you're pulling parts of sky down
And making curtains, 'cause the future's too bright
Then man, just kill the lights
Surely that's a given?
What good is closure, if it tears those drapes wide open?
I think I'll sit this out
I'd rather brave the come-down
Whoa whoa, nothing in this book is true
But it's exactly how things are
Whoa whoa, nothing in this book is true
We live our lives like a ghost at a feast
'Cause it's more poetic to wish for something
Than to get up and grab it
Get real or get out
G-Get real or get out
(I think it's time, we tried our hand at non-fiction)
Sure we might be further from the action than the grass
But at least we're wearing shoes that last
Hey, our hometown's not that bad
St. Crispin's got our backs
Oh whoa, nothing in this book is true
But it's exactly how things are
Whoa whoa, why do they call it a 'front'
When it only serves to push us back?
Another moment lost that I begged, stole and cheated for
I begged, stole and cheated once before
It's the 'would haves', the 'could haves'
And the 'damn I really did thats?'
Which make us who we are
We are the sun
We won't come up for just anyone
We will rest our heads for another hour
'Cause this town's still coming down
Get real or get out
Whoa whoa, nothing in this book is true
But it's exactly how things are
Whoa whoa, nothing in this book is true
So if you're pulling parts of sky down
And making curtains, 'cause the future's too bright
Then man, just kill the lights
Surely that's a given?
What good is closure, if it tears those drapes wide open?
I think I'll sit this out
I'd rather brave the come-down
Whoa whoa, nothing in this book is true
But it's exactly how things are
Whoa whoa, nothing in this book is true
We live our lives like a ghost at a feast
'Cause it's more poetic to wish for something
Than to get up and grab it
Get real or get out
G-Get real or get out
(I think it's time, we tried our hand at non-fiction)
Sure we might be further from the action than the grass
But at least we're wearing shoes that last
Hey, our hometown's not that bad
St. Crispin's got our backs
Oh whoa, nothing in this book is true
But it's exactly how things are
Whoa whoa, why do they call it a 'front'
When it only serves to push us back?
Lyrics submitted by shrodes
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
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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/