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.
A bunt out truck on a desert highway
Frank on the radio doing it My Way
And the sun beats down its a hundred and ten
And the girl in the back vows Never Again
there's too many bends in the road too many curves
And the way I pout gets on your nerves
Those who hear not the music think the dancer mad
And all I've got to say to you its the best time I ever had
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Wipe the sweat from my fevered brow
Holy Moses I'm a sacred cow
Love isn't fear love isn't possession
And love doesn't bind with the guilt of transgression
I'm breaking the skin of a papier-mache grin
I'm only curious I've never been that brave
And I know how it feels with the devil at my heels
To be the sinner that the good Lord never saved
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
I've been diving for pearls, now I'm coming up for air
Just because I understand doesn't mean I care
Another bleeding heart messiah a cold savior machine
Selling me absolution as the American dream
you're always there to catch me catch me when I fall
First a kiss and then and then you want it all
Once I was an angel now my halo is on fire
I'm burning up I'm shedding skin and I'm walking a high tight wire
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Frank on the radio doing it My Way
And the sun beats down its a hundred and ten
And the girl in the back vows Never Again
there's too many bends in the road too many curves
And the way I pout gets on your nerves
Those who hear not the music think the dancer mad
And all I've got to say to you its the best time I ever had
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Wipe the sweat from my fevered brow
Holy Moses I'm a sacred cow
Love isn't fear love isn't possession
And love doesn't bind with the guilt of transgression
I'm breaking the skin of a papier-mache grin
I'm only curious I've never been that brave
And I know how it feels with the devil at my heels
To be the sinner that the good Lord never saved
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
I've been diving for pearls, now I'm coming up for air
Just because I understand doesn't mean I care
Another bleeding heart messiah a cold savior machine
Selling me absolution as the American dream
you're always there to catch me catch me when I fall
First a kiss and then and then you want it all
Once I was an angel now my halo is on fire
I'm burning up I'm shedding skin and I'm walking a high tight wire
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Lay your hands on me
Reach out and touch and lay your hands on me
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
Lay Your Hands on Me Lyrics as written by Mark Gemini Thwaite Craig David Adams
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
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.
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
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”
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/