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.
[Chorus:]
Why not me
Is it that I'm too ghetto for you
Why not me
Girl there's nothing I won't cop for you
Why not me
I'm here to give you all your dreams
I'm dedicated
No time to wasting
I'll fulfill your every need
It ain't a thang
I'm far from a lame
Girl its all to the good
You're by yourself I'm all alone
And we're both from the hood
Your playing hard to get now
That's probably why your by yourself now
But I caught your eye when you walked by
And you persist to try to entertain
All of them things that you probably just heard
None of its true and that's my word
Baby don't believe a thing you hear now
The haters are always on my back now
But you feel me and this I know
So won't you just let go
Tell me why
[Chorus:]
I'd like to think I'm a good guy so tell me why not me
Can't blame you though if all your ex-boyfriends did you shady
But don't take that out on me girl
Oops I got to take it back its your world
Baby I'm just that guy ill show you why
If you just give me one try
I'm telling you I don't get down like that
Can't play the role
Or play myself
I just got to get in that's for sure
Got a little money
I spit game to the honeys
But you're all a nigga needs
I won't give you chicken feed
[Chorus:]
You should tell me something something
Can't imagine me just wanting
Put your cards out on the table
Baby I'm willing and able
Picture that me dippin' on ya
What the use if I'm up on ya
I'm the one you searched so long for
Give me one chance and you'll want no more
[Chorus:]
Why not me
Is it that I'm too ghetto for you
Why not me
Girl there's nothing I won't cop for you
Why not me
I'm here to give you all your dreams
I'm dedicated
No time to wasting
I'll fulfill your every need
It ain't a thang
I'm far from a lame
Girl its all to the good
You're by yourself I'm all alone
And we're both from the hood
Your playing hard to get now
That's probably why your by yourself now
But I caught your eye when you walked by
And you persist to try to entertain
All of them things that you probably just heard
None of its true and that's my word
Baby don't believe a thing you hear now
The haters are always on my back now
But you feel me and this I know
So won't you just let go
Tell me why
[Chorus:]
I'd like to think I'm a good guy so tell me why not me
Can't blame you though if all your ex-boyfriends did you shady
But don't take that out on me girl
Oops I got to take it back its your world
Baby I'm just that guy ill show you why
If you just give me one try
I'm telling you I don't get down like that
Can't play the role
Or play myself
I just got to get in that's for sure
Got a little money
I spit game to the honeys
But you're all a nigga needs
I won't give you chicken feed
[Chorus:]
You should tell me something something
Can't imagine me just wanting
Put your cards out on the table
Baby I'm willing and able
Picture that me dippin' on ya
What the use if I'm up on ya
I'm the one you searched so long for
Give me one chance and you'll want no more
[Chorus:]
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Why Not Me Lyrics as written by Oliver Lumpkin
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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/