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.
Wherever you're living
Wherever you've been
Just as long as you believe in
The neighborhood you live in
She might not be New York, or even L.A.
But you're giving up on your love for the city
You're giving it up for just one town
You're giving up on your love for the city
And after all
She's just your neighborhood
Forever our lady
Forever your town
She's always there whenever you need her
She'll pick you when you're down
Sometimes she makes you sad
She's really not the best you've had
But you're giving up on your love for the city
You're giving it up for just one town
Giving up on your love for the city
And after all
She's just your neighborhood
And if your should leave her
She won't put up a fight
And when you come home back to see her
She'll let you stay for the night
She might not give you head
But she might let you share her bed
On every corner
Down every street
You'll see all the people walking
Walking to the beat
On every corner
Down every street
You'll see all the people walking
Walking to the beat
Wherever you've been
Just as long as you believe in
The neighborhood you live in
She might not be New York, or even L.A.
But you're giving up on your love for the city
You're giving it up for just one town
You're giving up on your love for the city
And after all
She's just your neighborhood
Forever our lady
Forever your town
She's always there whenever you need her
She'll pick you when you're down
Sometimes she makes you sad
She's really not the best you've had
But you're giving up on your love for the city
You're giving it up for just one town
Giving up on your love for the city
And after all
She's just your neighborhood
And if your should leave her
She won't put up a fight
And when you come home back to see her
She'll let you stay for the night
She might not give you head
But she might let you share her bed
On every corner
Down every street
You'll see all the people walking
Walking to the beat
On every corner
Down every street
You'll see all the people walking
Walking to the beat
Lyrics submitted by cmong
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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,
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