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 recommend getting your heart trampled on to anyone, yeah
I recommend walking around naked in your living room, yeah
Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night, woah yeah yeah
You live, you learn
You love, you learn
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running
You live, you learn (I'll come running)
You love, you learn (To see you again)
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn (Winter, spring, summer or fall)
You bleed, you learn
You scream, you learn (And I'll be there, yeah)
All you have to do is call (You've got a friend)
Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, yes and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them, woah yeah yeah (You just call out my name)
You live, you learn
You love, you learn
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn
You just call out my name (Just call, just call)
And you know wherever I am (Wherever I am)
I'll come runnin' (You live, you learn)
To see you again (You love, you learn)
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn (Winter, spring, summer or fall)
You bleed, you learn
You scream, you learn (All you have to do is call)
You just call out my name
You live, you learn
You love, you learn
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn
You just call out my name
You bleed, you learn
You scream, you learn
You grieve, you learn (You've got a friend)
You choke, you learn (You've got a friend)
You laugh, you learn (You've got a friend)
You choose, you learn (Oh, yes I will)
You've got a friend
You learn, oh yes I will
You've got a friend
It's good to know (Ain't it good to know)
You've got a friend (You've got a friend)
It's good to know
You've got a friend
I recommend walking around naked in your living room, yeah
Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night, woah yeah yeah
You live, you learn
You love, you learn
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running
You live, you learn (I'll come running)
You love, you learn (To see you again)
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn (Winter, spring, summer or fall)
You bleed, you learn
You scream, you learn (And I'll be there, yeah)
All you have to do is call (You've got a friend)
Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, yes and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them, woah yeah yeah (You just call out my name)
You live, you learn
You love, you learn
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn
You just call out my name (Just call, just call)
And you know wherever I am (Wherever I am)
I'll come runnin' (You live, you learn)
To see you again (You love, you learn)
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn (Winter, spring, summer or fall)
You bleed, you learn
You scream, you learn (All you have to do is call)
You just call out my name
You live, you learn
You love, you learn
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn
You just call out my name
You bleed, you learn
You scream, you learn
You grieve, you learn (You've got a friend)
You choke, you learn (You've got a friend)
You laugh, you learn (You've got a friend)
You choose, you learn (Oh, yes I will)
You've got a friend
You learn, oh yes I will
You've got a friend
It's good to know (Ain't it good to know)
You've got a friend (You've got a friend)
It's good to know
You've got a friend
Lyrics submitted by Abbie96
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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 song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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Yo La Tengo
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,