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.
Is this it at the top
I didn't know there was not a ceiling
Or that the air up here was so thin
I just want my wanting to stop
I know you warned us of drought
We didn't believe it
Now we can't keep water from freezing
You are just in time to move aside
No one ever comes here stays for long
You're gonna be dethroned
You're gonna shed your pride
Overgrown
There's a kid on the cover
And I know that he doesn't believe
In the misery that he sings
Yea it's just what he thinks he needs
If all the world's a stage then it's not mine
'Cause no eye ever stays on you for long
You're gonna be dethroned
You're gonna shed your pride
It keeps growing
And you are just in time to move aside
No one ever comes here stays for long
You're gonna be dethroned
You're gonna shed your pride
If all the world's a stage then it's not mine
'Cause no eye ever stays on you for long
Yea you're gonna be dethroned
You're gonna shed your pride
Overgrown
I didn't know there was not a ceiling
Or that the air up here was so thin
I just want my wanting to stop
I know you warned us of drought
We didn't believe it
Now we can't keep water from freezing
You are just in time to move aside
No one ever comes here stays for long
You're gonna be dethroned
You're gonna shed your pride
Overgrown
There's a kid on the cover
And I know that he doesn't believe
In the misery that he sings
Yea it's just what he thinks he needs
If all the world's a stage then it's not mine
'Cause no eye ever stays on you for long
You're gonna be dethroned
You're gonna shed your pride
It keeps growing
And you are just in time to move aside
No one ever comes here stays for long
You're gonna be dethroned
You're gonna shed your pride
If all the world's a stage then it's not mine
'Cause no eye ever stays on you for long
Yea you're gonna be dethroned
You're gonna shed your pride
Overgrown
Lyrics submitted by hellomynameisjosh
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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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"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Cajun Girl
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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:
"'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/
I think this is a shot at him though, I believe that the Shakespearian connections are more of a coincidence In the song he says "is this it at the top?" and "you're just in time to move aside, no one ever comes here stays for long" basically addressing the fleeting nature of interests in that scene. and the whole recurring theme of pride being wicked and all of that. It's well known that Craig was kicked out of his own band for being a douche bag, its not a secret. And nick, I do think that they have a lot of integrity but there are other people who are pissed off at the type of music/attitudes that are coming out of big bands that are also speaking out against it. Keith Buckley from ETID another very well respected band wrote an article about it:
altpress.com/contributors/entry/give_me_something_to_break._seriously/
ACB themselves entitled the song "petty" because it is petty that they are saying it but he believes it needed to be said. I've shared the stage with these dudes more than a few times and they do have a lot of integrity but they are also willing to stand up for what they think is right, regardless of what anyone else thinks. We have all seen that dude be an asshole to a lot of people and when people are like that towards your friends and your fans, it pisses you off. I thought it was funny that Craig acted all shocked that someone would write a song like that about him. Dudes a scrub and everyone knows it, ACB just had the balls to say something about it.
Thats some real talk right there
Dueces, andrew