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.
If I were a sailor, would you love me?
If I were a banker, would you care?
If I knew how to drive a bulldozer,
Would you let me carry you around the town destorying all the landscape?
If yes, let's meet in the morning
'Cause Halloween is not so far away
And I could be anything you wanted
The magic word is every word, so just say it
If I learned to juggle, would you keep me?
Or take me to fancy parties with you in the spring?
All your big, fat guests over-stuffed with defrosted crab cakes
Would whisper a 'Hush, hush, what a pretty little thing'
And I would be for you
If yes, let's meet in the morning
And race the cars before they go to work
Take a ride in my '95 crowned victoria
Bring you walkman, because my cassette player is broke
If you peed your pants, I'd still love you
If you wanted to be an astronaut, you'd have my support
Like a jockstrap, I would cling to your body
Lapping up all the plastic pain, if you ever got hurt
If no, I'll try again tomorrow
'Cause I only have eyes for you
My prescription isn't quite 20/20
But you're the only thing that's focused in my view
If you wasted your life on luck, I would still love you
If you got into a horse riding accident, I'd push your wheelchair
If you grew to be too old and scared to dream,
I would whisper the wills of the things that you once believed in
Until you fell asleep
If no, I'll wait until you're ready
And feed the fish until you came back home
When obcessed with a man, what is a girl to do?
And dress up cardboard cutouts and pretend that they are you
You make a fine dance partner
If yes, let's meet in the morning
If no, I'll see you soon
If I were a banker, would you care?
If I knew how to drive a bulldozer,
Would you let me carry you around the town destorying all the landscape?
If yes, let's meet in the morning
'Cause Halloween is not so far away
And I could be anything you wanted
The magic word is every word, so just say it
If I learned to juggle, would you keep me?
Or take me to fancy parties with you in the spring?
All your big, fat guests over-stuffed with defrosted crab cakes
Would whisper a 'Hush, hush, what a pretty little thing'
And I would be for you
If yes, let's meet in the morning
And race the cars before they go to work
Take a ride in my '95 crowned victoria
Bring you walkman, because my cassette player is broke
If you peed your pants, I'd still love you
If you wanted to be an astronaut, you'd have my support
Like a jockstrap, I would cling to your body
Lapping up all the plastic pain, if you ever got hurt
If no, I'll try again tomorrow
'Cause I only have eyes for you
My prescription isn't quite 20/20
But you're the only thing that's focused in my view
If you wasted your life on luck, I would still love you
If you got into a horse riding accident, I'd push your wheelchair
If you grew to be too old and scared to dream,
I would whisper the wills of the things that you once believed in
Until you fell asleep
If no, I'll wait until you're ready
And feed the fish until you came back home
When obcessed with a man, what is a girl to do?
And dress up cardboard cutouts and pretend that they are you
You make a fine dance partner
If yes, let's meet in the morning
If no, I'll see you soon
Lyrics submitted by Hinkleberry42, edited by vice
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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.
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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'
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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:
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Wow, I love Danielle. She's so funny, but so deep and unique. I loved hearing you play at the Alley Cat in Fort Collins, I miss you playing there even though you never met me, your awesome. I'm happy you made it big, you deserved more than a lot of music artists. This song is amazing, it makes perfect sense.