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.
Their words are coming out
I can feel it here deep in your mouth
Truth will reveal itself
No need to travel for a million miles
The years can't stay the same
I kept it easy so I couldn't complain
Let them make up your mind
It's a feeling you can never describe
Oh
But even after all the things I said
You could be honest and be true and never realize what I wont do
Said to call it out, afraid to say
I don't recognize whats left of us I can't think of anything it was
And it was over before
All the things that I know that I could I would never leave you though I would
And I would say it's all because
You ask me why, I cannot lie
And if you shout
And I want out
You ask me why
Oh just because
Oh just because
Oh just because
The claimant change is really nothing new
I'm still lost 'cause I got something to do
I can figure out on my own time you were always late so you're never around
I know no one knows so you can be yourself
I keep you close and never let anyone out
And I stopped caring so push them aside fuck the things you want for the things you like
I get with the money and the swank apartment
I built a tower up into the sun
Let them follow every fallen empire
On the war they waged but never won
I figured out your world, from that today
I swear to god I knew I would but if you give me reason to be good
I always force it out
The words to say
That I'll be honest and be good, you wouldn't leave me if I would
'Cause it was covered
All in disguise
Amazing anger like I lost my mind
Oh I can go, but I will stay
And I'll do it again you could put it away
Oh you can find a peace of mind
You ask me
Oh I can't lie
I figured out whats in a lie
I found a way that I can go
I make it out through all the years
You ask me why
Oh just because
Oh just because
Oh just because
I can feel it here deep in your mouth
Truth will reveal itself
No need to travel for a million miles
The years can't stay the same
I kept it easy so I couldn't complain
Let them make up your mind
It's a feeling you can never describe
Oh
But even after all the things I said
You could be honest and be true and never realize what I wont do
Said to call it out, afraid to say
I don't recognize whats left of us I can't think of anything it was
And it was over before
All the things that I know that I could I would never leave you though I would
And I would say it's all because
You ask me why, I cannot lie
And if you shout
And I want out
You ask me why
Oh just because
Oh just because
Oh just because
The claimant change is really nothing new
I'm still lost 'cause I got something to do
I can figure out on my own time you were always late so you're never around
I know no one knows so you can be yourself
I keep you close and never let anyone out
And I stopped caring so push them aside fuck the things you want for the things you like
I get with the money and the swank apartment
I built a tower up into the sun
Let them follow every fallen empire
On the war they waged but never won
I figured out your world, from that today
I swear to god I knew I would but if you give me reason to be good
I always force it out
The words to say
That I'll be honest and be good, you wouldn't leave me if I would
'Cause it was covered
All in disguise
Amazing anger like I lost my mind
Oh I can go, but I will stay
And I'll do it again you could put it away
Oh you can find a peace of mind
You ask me
Oh I can't lie
I figured out whats in a lie
I found a way that I can go
I make it out through all the years
You ask me why
Oh just because
Oh just because
Oh just because
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
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/
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
I must have a radio edit :s... I don't get half of these lines
yeah, since i've posted these lyrics they've come out with a different version sorry