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.
The gentlest thought still brings a tear to my eye,
when summer reminds me of those halcyon days
Our pseudonyms scrawled all down the jubilee line
whilst down at the park our twisted bicycles lay
We were young and in love, holding hands in the sun,
in hindsight we were true romantics
Not a second of our life seemed wasted,
French kissing ‘till the light had faded
Tell me, tell me something I aint ever heard before
Tell me something that’ll make you love me more
Tell me something that’ll mean the world to me
Tell me, tell me
And now the swings are wrapped around
the poles where they once hung
And the sound of the ice cream van is sinister
And the tenement blocks where we both grew up
How quickly they became your prison cell
Even now you seem young to be pushing that pram
To be bringing up kids both with different dads
For some of us there’s no escaping
I still hear you saying
Tell me, tell me something I aint ever heard before
Tell me something that’ll make you love me more
Tell me something that’ll mean the world to me
Tell me, tell me
‘cos nothing feels like it feels the first time
Sacred moments like uncut diamonds
I still think of you there waiting
And still hear you saying
Tell me, tell me something I aint ever heard before
Tell me something that’ll make you love me more
Tell me something that’ll mean the world to me
Tell me, tell me
Tell me, tell me something I aint ever heard before
Tell me something that’ll make you love me more
Tell me something that’ll mean the world to me
Tell me, tell me
when summer reminds me of those halcyon days
Our pseudonyms scrawled all down the jubilee line
whilst down at the park our twisted bicycles lay
We were young and in love, holding hands in the sun,
in hindsight we were true romantics
Not a second of our life seemed wasted,
French kissing ‘till the light had faded
Tell me, tell me something I aint ever heard before
Tell me something that’ll make you love me more
Tell me something that’ll mean the world to me
Tell me, tell me
And now the swings are wrapped around
the poles where they once hung
And the sound of the ice cream van is sinister
And the tenement blocks where we both grew up
How quickly they became your prison cell
Even now you seem young to be pushing that pram
To be bringing up kids both with different dads
For some of us there’s no escaping
I still hear you saying
Tell me, tell me something I aint ever heard before
Tell me something that’ll make you love me more
Tell me something that’ll mean the world to me
Tell me, tell me
‘cos nothing feels like it feels the first time
Sacred moments like uncut diamonds
I still think of you there waiting
And still hear you saying
Tell me, tell me something I aint ever heard before
Tell me something that’ll make you love me more
Tell me something that’ll mean the world to me
Tell me, tell me
Tell me, tell me something I aint ever heard before
Tell me something that’ll make you love me more
Tell me something that’ll mean the world to me
Tell me, tell me
Lyrics submitted by Jessica-Lily
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
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
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.