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.
Spent a solid night
Dodging sleep again
A dirty garage littered with
Smoke from pipes and pyramids of cans
Scale one more roof
For talks of friends estranged
The heights that offer views
Of times that earn our praise
At times you have to dive
Through sewage in this life
That filthy creek where
The purest parts reside
At times you have to dive
By filth you’ll be baptized
Oh, holy night
Dive until the sunrise
Eyes fixed on grey skies
While we try to find our feet
A downhill run in morning air
Though we always swim upstream
Asleep in the basement
With dogs that live like me
In the cold of the sounds we make
In the warmth of loyalty
At times you have to dive
Through sewage in this life
That filthy creek where
The purest parts reside
At times you have to dive
By filth you’ll be baptized
Oh, holy night
Dive until the sunrise
A summer for gypsies
Reviving books I try to read
When my hands stop shaking
In times when the daylight finally favors me
A summer for gypsies
Where I find my separate peace
We left our clothes there
In exchange for the things that we keep
At times you have to dive
Through sewage in this life
That filthy creek where
The purest parts reside
At times you have to dive
By filth you’ll be baptized
Oh, holy night
Dive until the sunrise
Dodging sleep again
A dirty garage littered with
Smoke from pipes and pyramids of cans
Scale one more roof
For talks of friends estranged
The heights that offer views
Of times that earn our praise
At times you have to dive
Through sewage in this life
That filthy creek where
The purest parts reside
At times you have to dive
By filth you’ll be baptized
Oh, holy night
Dive until the sunrise
Eyes fixed on grey skies
While we try to find our feet
A downhill run in morning air
Though we always swim upstream
Asleep in the basement
With dogs that live like me
In the cold of the sounds we make
In the warmth of loyalty
At times you have to dive
Through sewage in this life
That filthy creek where
The purest parts reside
At times you have to dive
By filth you’ll be baptized
Oh, holy night
Dive until the sunrise
A summer for gypsies
Reviving books I try to read
When my hands stop shaking
In times when the daylight finally favors me
A summer for gypsies
Where I find my separate peace
We left our clothes there
In exchange for the things that we keep
At times you have to dive
Through sewage in this life
That filthy creek where
The purest parts reside
At times you have to dive
By filth you’ll be baptized
Oh, holy night
Dive until the sunrise
Lyrics submitted by LittleHeartRec
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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/