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.
What if I...
Got right into
My mind's velocity
What if I...
Finally discovered
The rules of eternity
What if I tell you
What we live for, what we die for
What if I tell you
That you will be born again
What if I tell you
What we live for, what we die for
What if I tell you
That you will be born again...
And you will do it all over again...
And again, and again, and again
Will you stop running? Will you stop hiding?
And looking for material things
Will you start searching...
Will you start seeking for
Your immortal wings
Got right into
My mind's velocity
What if I...
Finally discovered
The rules of eternity
What if I tell you
What we live for, what we die for
What if I tell you
That you will be born again
What if I tell you
What we live for, what we die for
What if I tell you
That you will be born again...
And you will do it all over again...
And again, and again, and again
Will you stop running? Will you stop hiding?
And looking for material things
Will you start searching...
Will you start seeking for
Your immortal wings
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
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.
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/
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
This is such a beautiful song.
"What if I... Got right into My mind's velocity What if I... Finally discovered The rules of eternity"
I think this poses the question of: "What kind of realisations we would have if it was possible for our consciousness to become one with the universe.. what truths would become evident?"
"What if I tell you What we live for, what we die for What if I tell you That you will be born again
What if I tell you What we live for, what we die for What if I tell you That you will be born again... And you will do it all over again... And again, and again, and again"
This section can probably best be summarised by reading 'The Egg' by Andy Wier: galactanet.com/oneoff/theegg_mod.html
"Will you stop running? Will you stop hiding? And looking for material things Will you start searching... Will you start seeking for Your immortal wings"
This section reminds us that existence is more than just the pursuit of material things in our present life. Having "immortal wings" is the state of mind that comes from the realisation that we are more than just our individual life. Our actions impact not just on us, but everyone around us (who are ultimately just other manifestations of ourself), as such, if we remember to behave in a way that considers these other lives, we begin living in a way that crosses the mortal coil.