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.
I've asked for your number but please let me explain
I'm not looking todate you, I don't think of you that way
Sure, you've got nice looks and a clear teenage complexion
But I'm just calling you because of your record collection
Jessica, I heard you like The Who
I do too
Jessica, here's what I wanna do
I wanna trade tapes with you
And sure, you're nice to look at, a regular teenage queen
But I don't wanna get in your pants, just inside your tape machine
Jessica, I heard you like The Who
I do too
Jessica, here's what I wanna do
I wanna trade tapes with you
I'm not asking for a date, I've just heard that you've got stellar taste
I'm not asking to be your mate, I want a high speed dub of your bootleg tapes
You've got the complete Live At Leeds and Sebadoh's import CD's
I don't care much about the birds and bees or getting to know you biblically
You say you like the Violent Femmes, I like Jonathan Richman
The Modern Lovers were his first band, but you say you've never heard of them
Which means that you have never heard their classic debut
Oh Jessica, i'll copy it for you
I wanna trade tapes with you
I'm not looking todate you, I don't think of you that way
Sure, you've got nice looks and a clear teenage complexion
But I'm just calling you because of your record collection
Jessica, I heard you like The Who
I do too
Jessica, here's what I wanna do
I wanna trade tapes with you
And sure, you're nice to look at, a regular teenage queen
But I don't wanna get in your pants, just inside your tape machine
Jessica, I heard you like The Who
I do too
Jessica, here's what I wanna do
I wanna trade tapes with you
I'm not asking for a date, I've just heard that you've got stellar taste
I'm not asking to be your mate, I want a high speed dub of your bootleg tapes
You've got the complete Live At Leeds and Sebadoh's import CD's
I don't care much about the birds and bees or getting to know you biblically
You say you like the Violent Femmes, I like Jonathan Richman
The Modern Lovers were his first band, but you say you've never heard of them
Which means that you have never heard their classic debut
Oh Jessica, i'll copy it for you
I wanna trade tapes with you
Lyrics submitted by frootypatutee
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
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.