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.
On the other side of a street I knew
Stood a girl that looked like you
I guess that's déjà vu
But I thought this can't be true
'Cause you moved to west L.A or New York or Santa Fe
Or wherever to get away from me
Oh, but that one night
Was more than just right
I didn't leave you 'cause I was all through
Oh, I was overwhelmed, and frankly, scared as hell
Because I really fell for you
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
Just a shy guy looking for a 2-ply
Hefty bag to hold my love
When you move me, everything is groovy
They don't like it, sue me
Mm, the way you do me
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
On the other side of a downward spiral
My love for you went viral
And I loved you every mile you drove away
But now, here you are again
So, let's skip the "How you been?"
And get down to the "more than friends" at last
Oh, but that one night was still the highlight
I didn't need you until I came to
And I was overwhelmed, and frankly, scared as hell
Because I really fell for you
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
Just a shy guy looking for a 2-ply
Hefty bag to hold my love
When you move me, everything is groovy
They don't like it, sue me
Mm, the way you do me
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
Please believe that when I leave
There's nothing up my sleeve but love for you
And a little time to get my head together too
On the other side of a street I knew
Stood a girl that looked like you
I guess that's déjà vu
But I thought this can't be true
'Cause
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
Just a shy guy looking for a 2-ply
Hefty bag to hold my love
When you move me, everything is groovy
They don't like it, sue me
Mm, the way you do me
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
Stood a girl that looked like you
I guess that's déjà vu
But I thought this can't be true
'Cause you moved to west L.A or New York or Santa Fe
Or wherever to get away from me
Oh, but that one night
Was more than just right
I didn't leave you 'cause I was all through
Oh, I was overwhelmed, and frankly, scared as hell
Because I really fell for you
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
Just a shy guy looking for a 2-ply
Hefty bag to hold my love
When you move me, everything is groovy
They don't like it, sue me
Mm, the way you do me
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
On the other side of a downward spiral
My love for you went viral
And I loved you every mile you drove away
But now, here you are again
So, let's skip the "How you been?"
And get down to the "more than friends" at last
Oh, but that one night was still the highlight
I didn't need you until I came to
And I was overwhelmed, and frankly, scared as hell
Because I really fell for you
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
Just a shy guy looking for a 2-ply
Hefty bag to hold my love
When you move me, everything is groovy
They don't like it, sue me
Mm, the way you do me
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
Please believe that when I leave
There's nothing up my sleeve but love for you
And a little time to get my head together too
On the other side of a street I knew
Stood a girl that looked like you
I guess that's déjà vu
But I thought this can't be true
'Cause
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
Just a shy guy looking for a 2-ply
Hefty bag to hold my love
When you move me, everything is groovy
They don't like it, sue me
Mm, the way you do me
Oh, I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by
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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.
Mountain Song
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Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Amazing
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Another disclaimer: this song means nothing personal to me. I heard it today (first time). I didn't think I cared too much for the band until this song played over the radio. It's wonderful. I foresee it getting more air time. Obviously about a fearful guy/girl who is in love and promises that he'll stay (in spite of his fears) rather than leave ("drive by"). So impressed with the sound of this song...
Pat Monahan has stated this song is about a one-night stand. The person here obviously wants it to go much further.
I also noticed today on the radio that the chorus has a deliciously dirty double-entendre: "Just a shy a guy looking for two-ply / hefty bag to hold my love." Apart from the surface meaning, I think the "two-ply hefty bag" he refers to is a vagina... and the "love" he wants her to hold is his baby gravy. :P Pat does seem like one to have a line like this in a song!
Not very deep, but it's catchy and witty. Love it.
Ok.
Ok?
More likely the hefty bag is a condom.
@TabbyFL55 I like your dirty mind
It sounds a little like "he" might have been stalking her. She did move away to get away from him after their night together ... if that did actually happen anywhere except in his head.
Love the catchy beat. Fun song. Fascinating how nobody listens to/comments on this one. One huge red flag missed...
I can't stand this song because it's on that blasted Ford commercial that is on the TV 24/7 and it's on the radio every day. If it weren't for that though, it's a cute and catchy song. But is the girl on the other side of the street the same girl?