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.
They call it Summer Romance for a reason.
These feelings, they will die and fade by the end of the season.
You'll no longer try to hold my hand.
You'll finally see me for who I really am.
I'm just an animal who learned to speak in notes and prose and hand-me-down melodies.
Just a boy who tries his best to sing clearly and honestly.
Just a boy who falls in love too quickly with almost every woman he meets.
Just a boy who wants to know your name so he can write it down for himself and store it away.
A frame of reference for the way your hair used to hang over your face.
They call it Summer Romance for a reason.
But bleeding hearts still bleed and seep into next season.
Like a pad of paper and a felt-tip pen, turn the page and there you are again.
Just a frame of reference for how all of this began and why it must end.
Just a boy who tries his best to sing clearly and honestly.
Just a boy who falls in love too quickly with almost every woman he meets.
Just a boy who wants to know your name so he can write it down for himself and throw it away.
A methodical routine to forever be afraid of first kisses, near misses and knees that accidentally touch.
Tell me, why can't we just act like we're adults?
These feelings, they will die and fade by the end of the season.
You'll no longer try to hold my hand.
You'll finally see me for who I really am.
I'm just an animal who learned to speak in notes and prose and hand-me-down melodies.
Just a boy who tries his best to sing clearly and honestly.
Just a boy who falls in love too quickly with almost every woman he meets.
Just a boy who wants to know your name so he can write it down for himself and store it away.
A frame of reference for the way your hair used to hang over your face.
They call it Summer Romance for a reason.
But bleeding hearts still bleed and seep into next season.
Like a pad of paper and a felt-tip pen, turn the page and there you are again.
Just a frame of reference for how all of this began and why it must end.
Just a boy who tries his best to sing clearly and honestly.
Just a boy who falls in love too quickly with almost every woman he meets.
Just a boy who wants to know your name so he can write it down for himself and throw it away.
A methodical routine to forever be afraid of first kisses, near misses and knees that accidentally touch.
Tell me, why can't we just act like we're adults?
Lyrics submitted by forthekidintheback
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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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"'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/
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