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.
Silent Ivy waste of love
How long have we been here
Sitting on the floor
Pool-water martinis
And a towel under the door
I still don't really know you
Very well
How long have we been coming here
To the Silent Ivy Hotel
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
It'll only last a while
We could stay here for ever
And never get it together
Wouldn't matter whatsoever
We'll never get it together
I put your hair in an arrangement
With helium and tape
I decided I would love you
I decided not to wait
We have an arrangement
We give each other pain
A little mine for yours
It's all pretty much the same
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
It'll only last a while
We could stay here for ever
And never get it together
Wouldn't matter whatsoever
We'll never get it together
It's a waste of love
It's a waste of love, love
It's a waste of love, love, love
It's a waste of love
It's a waste of love, love
It's a waste of love, love, love
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
It'll only last a while
We could stay here for ever
And never get it together
Wouldn't matter whatsoever
We'll never get it together
It's a waste of love
It's a waste of love, love
It's a waste of love, love, love
It's a waste of love
It's a waste of love, love
It's a waste of love, love, love
How long have we been here
Sitting on the floor
Pool-water martinis
And a towel under the door
I still don't really know you
Very well
How long have we been coming here
To the Silent Ivy Hotel
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
It'll only last a while
We could stay here for ever
And never get it together
Wouldn't matter whatsoever
We'll never get it together
I put your hair in an arrangement
With helium and tape
I decided I would love you
I decided not to wait
We have an arrangement
We give each other pain
A little mine for yours
It's all pretty much the same
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
It'll only last a while
We could stay here for ever
And never get it together
Wouldn't matter whatsoever
We'll never get it together
It's a waste of love
It's a waste of love, love
It's a waste of love, love, love
It's a waste of love
It's a waste of love, love
It's a waste of love, love, love
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
A silent ivy minute
It'll only last
For a silent ivy minute
It'll only last a while
We could stay here for ever
And never get it together
Wouldn't matter whatsoever
We'll never get it together
It's a waste of love
It's a waste of love, love
It's a waste of love, love, love
It's a waste of love
It's a waste of love, love
It's a waste of love, love, love
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
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”
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.