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.
I have a drink I start to sink
I put my toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
Another toe in the ocean
Down on the shelf an elf I saw
I took his picture he was waving
I passed again and now they're gone
I think my picture is worth saving
No more waiting for a new day
You've got to swim sometimes
I'll be here for the rest of my life
Up in the land of green
Making love in the cool, black sand
Thinking where I've been
I put my toe in the ocean
Another toe in the ocean
Merry making with the fairies
Going down to the onion patch
To you and me to shining seas
I see the lights of Edward Thatch
No more waiting for a new day
You've got to swim sometimes
I'll be here for the rest of my life
Up in the land of green
Making love in the cool, black sand
Thinking where I've been
I put my toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
Another toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
I put my toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
Another toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
Another toe in the ocean
I put my toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
Another toe in the ocean
Down on the shelf an elf I saw
I took his picture he was waving
I passed again and now they're gone
I think my picture is worth saving
No more waiting for a new day
You've got to swim sometimes
I'll be here for the rest of my life
Up in the land of green
Making love in the cool, black sand
Thinking where I've been
I put my toe in the ocean
Another toe in the ocean
Merry making with the fairies
Going down to the onion patch
To you and me to shining seas
I see the lights of Edward Thatch
No more waiting for a new day
You've got to swim sometimes
I'll be here for the rest of my life
Up in the land of green
Making love in the cool, black sand
Thinking where I've been
I put my toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
Another toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
I put my toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
Another toe in the ocean
I have a drink I start to sink
Another toe in the ocean
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
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.
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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.
Got to be about revivifying Los Pixies as record producers. The ocean into which Black Francis drove his car in Wave of Mutilation (fuck!) 25 years ago is the titular domain of the "elf I saw" and "Making merry with the fairies" - the onion patch I shudder to speculate on, but the land of green and cool black sand might refer to getting paid, and whatever dark shore he's moored at. Edward Thatch was better known as Blackbeard, the pirate of the Caribbean.
Whatever. It's all good, Deal or no Deal... the absence of Simon Larbalestier's photography is frustrating on EP1 but it's a different industry now and they are, as often quoted, "just a bunch of guys." Puneta!