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'm gonna move to the outskirts of town
Where none of your friends are hanging around
That's right, I'm gonna move to the other side of town
Where none of your business is hanging around
Woman, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Columbia girl, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
I'm gonna build a castle out of Goodyear tires
Cinder block and busted doors, that's where I'll retire
Gonna dig a mote, fill it up with ale
Not much of a defense I know but the supply never fails
Woman, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Columbia girl, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
When you come knocking all in tears
Wringing hands and genuflecting
You'll understand that I am a busy man
And my subjects demand my attention
These walls don't build themselves
And I am running out of time
So if you desire anything else
You had better get in line
Woman, please, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Columbia girl, please, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Woman, please, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Columbia girl, please, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Where none of your friends are hanging around
That's right, I'm gonna move to the other side of town
Where none of your business is hanging around
Woman, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Columbia girl, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
I'm gonna build a castle out of Goodyear tires
Cinder block and busted doors, that's where I'll retire
Gonna dig a mote, fill it up with ale
Not much of a defense I know but the supply never fails
Woman, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Columbia girl, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
When you come knocking all in tears
Wringing hands and genuflecting
You'll understand that I am a busy man
And my subjects demand my attention
These walls don't build themselves
And I am running out of time
So if you desire anything else
You had better get in line
Woman, please, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Columbia girl, please, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Woman, please, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Columbia girl, please, please, please let a poor man be
Let a poor man be
Lyrics submitted by JaycetheJayce
Let a Poor Man Be Lyrics as written by Jean-paul Gaster Dan Maines
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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 is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
I think this song is lamenting the homogeneous state and strict rules of suburbia. Columbia, Maryland is a town near where the band is from. It is generally considered the first fully planned community in the country (other than Levittowns, which were just housing developments). The singer states that he wants a "castle" that is eccentrically designed and where "none of your business is hangin' around."
Also, a quote from Neil: "In the early 1980s' my family lived in a typically terrible pre-planned suburban development called Montgomery Village.