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.
Parked out in the street
I let the motor run
So take the empty seat
The rest is over thrown
We’ll make it seem discreet
No one will know we’re going
Take you for a treat
Away from all this
Sit there quietly
Don’t suggest a thing to me
I know it might sound crazy
Girl you’re gonna thank me
Listen to the motor run
Yeah it will be fine
I’m sure it’s not the first time but it could be the last
Its not very far
But it could take a while
If we get a start
We’ll get there sooner
Grab a deck of darts
And we can whistle while we listen to guitars
And I will let you
Sit there quietly
Don’t suggest a thing to me
I know it might sound crazy
Girl you’re gonna thank me
Listen to the motor run
Yeah it will be fine
I’m sure it’s not the first time but it could be the last
It can be our very only
Relatively ordinary
Consequently I don’t care
Cos you and I are gonna share
A momentary romance
And a glass of red
Go dance to no music
Cos the music there is dead
Yeah the music there is dead
I let the motor run
So take the empty seat
The rest is over thrown
We’ll make it seem discreet
No one will know we’re going
Take you for a treat
Away from all this
Sit there quietly
Don’t suggest a thing to me
I know it might sound crazy
Girl you’re gonna thank me
Listen to the motor run
Yeah it will be fine
I’m sure it’s not the first time but it could be the last
Its not very far
But it could take a while
If we get a start
We’ll get there sooner
Grab a deck of darts
And we can whistle while we listen to guitars
And I will let you
Sit there quietly
Don’t suggest a thing to me
I know it might sound crazy
Girl you’re gonna thank me
Listen to the motor run
Yeah it will be fine
I’m sure it’s not the first time but it could be the last
It can be our very only
Relatively ordinary
Consequently I don’t care
Cos you and I are gonna share
A momentary romance
And a glass of red
Go dance to no music
Cos the music there is dead
Yeah the music there is dead
Lyrics submitted by ShaunDivineyIsAWhore
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
wow this is really good, i love it!!