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.
Staring at the creek
Thumbing her nose
Burning my habits
How'd you rearrange,
All the structures and the base?
You're in my head
Take me apart
Lady you're the frame
Balance the just take
All my incisions
All my careful aims
Just cut me up from limb to limb
You're in my head
Take me apart
You're my pet
In disguise
I got a ___ okay
All still got a little bit of heart
You're no good
At all the right times
I got a feeling okay
Open, I been chasing my whole life
Until this ends
You got me in your hand
Quite unbelievably so
Oh, you got me all tied up
How 'bout you let me go?
About halfway there
Before you tell me no
Oh, you got me all mixed up when you start
Telling me slow
I caught in an ocean
Waving at the shore
You see this
Turn your back and run
I caught in an ocean
Waving at the shore
You see this
Turn your back and run
You're my pet
In disguise
I got a ___ okay
Oh, still got a little bit of heart
You're no good
At all the right times
I got a feeling, okay
Open, I been chasing my whole life
You're in my head
You got me in your hand
Quite unbelievably so
Oh, you got me all tied up
How 'bout you let me go?
About halfway there
Before you tell me no
Oh, you got me all mixed up when you start
Telling me slow
You got me in your hand
Quite unbelievably so
Oh, you got me all tied up
How 'bout you let me go?
About halfway there
Before you tell me no
Oh, you got me all mixed up when you start
Telling me slow down
Thumbing her nose
Burning my habits
How'd you rearrange,
All the structures and the base?
You're in my head
Take me apart
Lady you're the frame
Balance the just take
All my incisions
All my careful aims
Just cut me up from limb to limb
You're in my head
Take me apart
You're my pet
In disguise
I got a ___ okay
All still got a little bit of heart
You're no good
At all the right times
I got a feeling okay
Open, I been chasing my whole life
Until this ends
You got me in your hand
Quite unbelievably so
Oh, you got me all tied up
How 'bout you let me go?
About halfway there
Before you tell me no
Oh, you got me all mixed up when you start
Telling me slow
I caught in an ocean
Waving at the shore
You see this
Turn your back and run
I caught in an ocean
Waving at the shore
You see this
Turn your back and run
You're my pet
In disguise
I got a ___ okay
Oh, still got a little bit of heart
You're no good
At all the right times
I got a feeling, okay
Open, I been chasing my whole life
You're in my head
You got me in your hand
Quite unbelievably so
Oh, you got me all tied up
How 'bout you let me go?
About halfway there
Before you tell me no
Oh, you got me all mixed up when you start
Telling me slow
You got me in your hand
Quite unbelievably so
Oh, you got me all tied up
How 'bout you let me go?
About halfway there
Before you tell me no
Oh, you got me all mixed up when you start
Telling me slow down
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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 song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
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Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.