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.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I want to let you know
That I'm insulted, astonished
That he came onto me so bold
How could he be so cold?
You're like a sister to me
I know this hurt 'cause you love him so
He's a raunchy, doggish tramp
I just can't believe his act
And I had to let my sister know
That I won't stab you in your back
'Cause you're my friend through thick and thin
Gotta let you know what's goin' on
'Cause I can't watch him do my sister wrong
I know he's not the kind of man you want
He's playin' you, you, you
You don't need him
Drop his ass and leave that fool alone
He'll break your heart and wreck your happy home
You'd be better off on your own
He's playin' you, you, you
You don't need him
I gotta let you know (yeah, yeah, yeah)
He's creepin' on the down low
Keeps callin' me on the telephone
He's got a sexual jones
No girl, it's not just for you
It's for Tameka and Tammy too
You let him spend up all your dough
He's been labelin' you his ho
And I gotta let my sister know
That I can't let you go for that
'Cause you're my friend through thick and thin
Gotta let you know what's goin' on
'Cause I can't watch him do my sister wrong
I know he's not the kind of man you want
He's playin' you, you, you
You don't need him
Listen my friend (listen)
Don't take him in
Don't be a fool
Set some new rules (I can't deny)
I can't deny
Your man is fly (yes he is)
It's not worth the pain
Don't be insane
It's about time you open your eyes
You'll recognize that you're a prize to love
(A rare and precious gift for love)
Love
(Love, yeah)
Gotta let you know what's goin' on
'Cause I can't watch him do my sister wrong
I know he's not the kind of man you want
He's playin' you, you, you
You don't need him
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
You don't need him
Drop his ass off at the door
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
He's tryin' to get with me
(You don't need him)
(Drop his ass and leave that fool alone)
I don't want him, no
We've been friends for too long
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
And I won't do it
(He's playin' you, you, you)
I won't do it
(You don't need him)
Nooooo...
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I want to let you know
That I'm insulted, astonished
That he came onto me so bold
How could he be so cold?
You're like a sister to me
I know this hurt 'cause you love him so
He's a raunchy, doggish tramp
I just can't believe his act
And I had to let my sister know
That I won't stab you in your back
'Cause you're my friend through thick and thin
Gotta let you know what's goin' on
'Cause I can't watch him do my sister wrong
I know he's not the kind of man you want
He's playin' you, you, you
You don't need him
Drop his ass and leave that fool alone
He'll break your heart and wreck your happy home
You'd be better off on your own
He's playin' you, you, you
You don't need him
I gotta let you know (yeah, yeah, yeah)
He's creepin' on the down low
Keeps callin' me on the telephone
He's got a sexual jones
No girl, it's not just for you
It's for Tameka and Tammy too
You let him spend up all your dough
He's been labelin' you his ho
And I gotta let my sister know
That I can't let you go for that
'Cause you're my friend through thick and thin
Gotta let you know what's goin' on
'Cause I can't watch him do my sister wrong
I know he's not the kind of man you want
He's playin' you, you, you
You don't need him
Listen my friend (listen)
Don't take him in
Don't be a fool
Set some new rules (I can't deny)
I can't deny
Your man is fly (yes he is)
It's not worth the pain
Don't be insane
It's about time you open your eyes
You'll recognize that you're a prize to love
(A rare and precious gift for love)
Love
(Love, yeah)
Gotta let you know what's goin' on
'Cause I can't watch him do my sister wrong
I know he's not the kind of man you want
He's playin' you, you, you
You don't need him
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
You don't need him
Drop his ass off at the door
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
He's tryin' to get with me
(You don't need him)
(Drop his ass and leave that fool alone)
I don't want him, no
We've been friends for too long
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
And I won't do it
(He's playin' you, you, you)
I won't do it
(You don't need him)
Nooooo...
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
You Don't Need Him Lyrics as written by Keith Andes Jessica M Betts
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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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.
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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'
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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/