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.
On the road again in cabaret
Grey hair and Fenders
Old ghosts revisited today
No original members
Pick out a pretty one and toss your hair
Seems foolish when you're older
You always felt you never had your share
A chip on both your shoulders
You've been faking it so long
Now you don't know right from wrong
Or what the future has in store for you
In the terminal of tribute to
Every day you take the bitter pill
The minibus driver says and you are who
You never made it and you never will
In the terminal of tribute to
Where your plans are forever falling through
And your dreams are movies never shot
And you're someone, a shadow passing through
Nobody ever knew, so nobody forgot
Your bag has fallen from the carousel
They say one day it could come back to you
Exactly when nobody can tell
In the terminal of tribute to
You've been faking it so long
Now you don't know right from wrong
Or what the future has in store for you
In the terminal of tribute to
You've been faking it so long
Now you don't know right from wrong
Or what the future has in store for you
In the terminal of tribute to
Grey hair and Fenders
Old ghosts revisited today
No original members
Pick out a pretty one and toss your hair
Seems foolish when you're older
You always felt you never had your share
A chip on both your shoulders
You've been faking it so long
Now you don't know right from wrong
Or what the future has in store for you
In the terminal of tribute to
Every day you take the bitter pill
The minibus driver says and you are who
You never made it and you never will
In the terminal of tribute to
Where your plans are forever falling through
And your dreams are movies never shot
And you're someone, a shadow passing through
Nobody ever knew, so nobody forgot
Your bag has fallen from the carousel
They say one day it could come back to you
Exactly when nobody can tell
In the terminal of tribute to
You've been faking it so long
Now you don't know right from wrong
Or what the future has in store for you
In the terminal of tribute to
You've been faking it so long
Now you don't know right from wrong
Or what the future has in store for you
In the terminal of tribute to
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
Terminal of Tribute To Lyrics as written by Mark Knopfler
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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.
Fast Car
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"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.
Just A Little Lovin'
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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/
Head > Heels
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“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.
it seems like it's about a musician never made it big, yet it can resonate perfectly with everything that any one of us couldn't achieve in our lives: And your dreams are movies never shot: it's perfect.