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.
She's floating like a peach upon the water
Shining like a jewel in the sun
I told her that I love her and want her
I told her she was second to none
Well I give a little kiss and then I splash some
Yeah she give me little kiss and then she (die?)
Skinny dippin' with the one that you love
When you're happy just to be alive
[Chorus]
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' (on land...?)
Skinny dippin' I got to do it again
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' oh my
Skinny dippin'
You got to give it a try
There's minnows in the shallows (and they tickle him?)
Yes, there's minnows in the shallows (and they're bold?)
They're nibblin' on my kneecaps
They're nibblin' on my toes
Well you can let yourself fall like a cannon ball
You can jump around funky like a (toad?)
Or lay on your back like a lily pad
Just float around, nice and slow
[Chorus]
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' (on land...?)
Skinny dippin' I got to do it again
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' oh my
Skinny dippin'
You got to give it a try
She's floating like a peach upon the water
Shining like a jewel in the sun
I told her that I love her and want her
I told her she was second to none
Well she looked at me like I was just a (wing nut?)
She looked at me like I was kind of sly
I said ("now keep your cool, this ain't a seaman pool"?)
Got the weather and the bright blue sky
[Chorus]
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' (on land...?)
Skinny dippin' I got to do it again
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' oh my
Skinny dippin' day trippin'
You got to give it a try
Skinny dippin' day trippin'
I got to give it a try
Shining like a jewel in the sun
I told her that I love her and want her
I told her she was second to none
Well I give a little kiss and then I splash some
Yeah she give me little kiss and then she (die?)
Skinny dippin' with the one that you love
When you're happy just to be alive
[Chorus]
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' (on land...?)
Skinny dippin' I got to do it again
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' oh my
Skinny dippin'
You got to give it a try
There's minnows in the shallows (and they tickle him?)
Yes, there's minnows in the shallows (and they're bold?)
They're nibblin' on my kneecaps
They're nibblin' on my toes
Well you can let yourself fall like a cannon ball
You can jump around funky like a (toad?)
Or lay on your back like a lily pad
Just float around, nice and slow
[Chorus]
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' (on land...?)
Skinny dippin' I got to do it again
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' oh my
Skinny dippin'
You got to give it a try
She's floating like a peach upon the water
Shining like a jewel in the sun
I told her that I love her and want her
I told her she was second to none
Well she looked at me like I was just a (wing nut?)
She looked at me like I was kind of sly
I said ("now keep your cool, this ain't a seaman pool"?)
Got the weather and the bright blue sky
[Chorus]
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' (on land...?)
Skinny dippin' I got to do it again
Skinny dippin'
Skinny dippin' oh my
Skinny dippin' day trippin'
You got to give it a try
Skinny dippin' day trippin'
I got to give it a try
Lyrics submitted by Lellamy
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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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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/
lol I tried...