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.
When the stranger came to town
All the people watched with wonder
In their tattered clothes gathered 'round and raised their eyes up from the dirt
And the stranger said to them
I have been upon the mountain
I have witnessed forces like cannons that can ram you to the ground
Stand up on your feet
'Cause your life is short as hell
You could be dead tomorrow
Today may be your last chance to believe in yourself
Your last chance to yell
Your last chance to be good to yourself
Your last chance to drink from life's well
In the crowd a voice was heard
Should we get them before they get you?
Should we strike the first blow?
He said, "No, no, no, you don't understand
The enemy is in your heart
Self respect robbed by self content
Look across the country
All the people with their dreams dead in their hearts."
Stand up on your feet
'Cause your life is short as hell
You could be dead tomorrow
Today may be your last chance to believe in yourself
Your last chance to yell
Your last chance to be good to yourself
Your last chance to drink from life's well
And drink from the well
Oh, yeah
It could be your last chance
To believe in yourself
Your last chance to yell
Your last chance to be good to yourself
Your last chance to drink from life's well
Drink from the well
Oh, yeah
Drink from the well
All the people watched with wonder
In their tattered clothes gathered 'round and raised their eyes up from the dirt
And the stranger said to them
I have been upon the mountain
I have witnessed forces like cannons that can ram you to the ground
Stand up on your feet
'Cause your life is short as hell
You could be dead tomorrow
Today may be your last chance to believe in yourself
Your last chance to yell
Your last chance to be good to yourself
Your last chance to drink from life's well
In the crowd a voice was heard
Should we get them before they get you?
Should we strike the first blow?
He said, "No, no, no, you don't understand
The enemy is in your heart
Self respect robbed by self content
Look across the country
All the people with their dreams dead in their hearts."
Stand up on your feet
'Cause your life is short as hell
You could be dead tomorrow
Today may be your last chance to believe in yourself
Your last chance to yell
Your last chance to be good to yourself
Your last chance to drink from life's well
And drink from the well
Oh, yeah
It could be your last chance
To believe in yourself
Your last chance to yell
Your last chance to be good to yourself
Your last chance to drink from life's well
Drink from the well
Oh, yeah
Drink from the well
Lyrics submitted by SkyPyro, edited by despondent, GenerationX
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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 is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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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/
This is a pretty straightforward song that says your life is really short, so don't waste it feeling sorry for yourself or playing it safe. As a small example, I played guitar (very badly) many years ago. I have for several years been half-heartedly thinking about getting into it again, but this time, becoming better at it. Listening to this song and considering the lyrics made me decide to stop wasting time and do exactly that.