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 can't eat, I can't sleep
Gotta let go, gonna cut deep
Moving in close, oh, no
And now I've got a little secret
That you wanna keep
What you don't want
But you do need
Moving in close, so slow
Well, I've been waiting for this day
And now there's only one way
I need the danger in the dance of love
I see it in the eyes of a stranger, yes
Oh-oh-oh...
Got no time, no, I won't quit
Won't back off, this is it
Moving in close, oh, yeah
Now tell me
Do you want love, do you want this
Do you want me to steal one kiss
One kiss, oh, yeah
I have no thoughts of another
As we circle each other
I need the danger in the dance of love
I see it in the eyes of a stranger, yeah
Do you feel what I'm feeling
Reckless in the way that I need you, yes
I'm a dream that will haunt you
I have no thoughts of another
As we circle each other
One way or another
I need the danger in the dance of love
I see it in the eyes of a stranger, yes
Do you feel what I feel, yeah
Reckless in the way that I need you, yes
Oh-oh-oh
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh-oh-oh
Yeah
Hey, yeah, yeah
I'm a dream that will haunt you
Gotta let go, gonna cut deep
Moving in close, oh, no
And now I've got a little secret
That you wanna keep
What you don't want
But you do need
Moving in close, so slow
Well, I've been waiting for this day
And now there's only one way
I need the danger in the dance of love
I see it in the eyes of a stranger, yes
Oh-oh-oh...
Got no time, no, I won't quit
Won't back off, this is it
Moving in close, oh, yeah
Now tell me
Do you want love, do you want this
Do you want me to steal one kiss
One kiss, oh, yeah
I have no thoughts of another
As we circle each other
I need the danger in the dance of love
I see it in the eyes of a stranger, yeah
Do you feel what I'm feeling
Reckless in the way that I need you, yes
I'm a dream that will haunt you
I have no thoughts of another
As we circle each other
One way or another
I need the danger in the dance of love
I see it in the eyes of a stranger, yes
Do you feel what I feel, yeah
Reckless in the way that I need you, yes
Oh-oh-oh
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh-oh-oh
Yeah
Hey, yeah, yeah
I'm a dream that will haunt you
Lyrics submitted by TrooperSeven
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.