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.
Don't want to sober up
The sun is killing my buzz, that's why they call it mourning
Thought I was strong enough
Threw my bottle at the sky, said, "God that's a warning"
Don't want to sober up
Try to keep it inside, but I just want to pour it
Thought I was strong enough
Got a lot of shit to say, couldn't fit it in the chorus
I just left Wally's in a Maserati
The way I gotta flex you'd think I did pilates
I called my quote and quote friends, do you got plans?
Turns out everyone's free when the dinner is
Then they drag me to a party out in Malibu
After thirty High Noons it was pretty cool
Tried to shoot my shot, she told me that she had a shoot, bye-bye (damn)
Don't want to sober up
The sun is killing my buzz, that's why they call it mourning
Thought I was strong enough
Threw my bottle at the sky, said, "God that's a warning"
Don't want to sober up
Try to keep it inside, but I just want to pour it
Thought I was strong enough
Got a lot of shit to say, couldn't fit it in the chorus
Stumbling down a corridor, came across an open door
Throwing up is easy and who put on The Commodores?
That's a nice tile floor, wish I got to know you more
Who am I talking to? Nobody
Take me outside, I'm a little too high
Paid a little too much for the time of my life
When money ain't a problem, everyone's sliding
Even when I tell myself that I
Don't want to sober up
The sun is killing my buzz, that's why they call it mourning
Thought I was strong enough
Threw my bottle at the sky, said, "God that's a warning"
Don't want to sober up
Try to keep it inside, but I just want to pour it
Thought I was strong enough
Got a lot of shit to say, couldn't fit it in the chorus
The sun is killing my buzz, that's why they call it mourning
Thought I was strong enough
Threw my bottle at the sky, said, "God that's a warning"
Don't want to sober up
Try to keep it inside, but I just want to pour it
Thought I was strong enough
Got a lot of shit to say, couldn't fit it in the chorus
I just left Wally's in a Maserati
The way I gotta flex you'd think I did pilates
I called my quote and quote friends, do you got plans?
Turns out everyone's free when the dinner is
Then they drag me to a party out in Malibu
After thirty High Noons it was pretty cool
Tried to shoot my shot, she told me that she had a shoot, bye-bye (damn)
Don't want to sober up
The sun is killing my buzz, that's why they call it mourning
Thought I was strong enough
Threw my bottle at the sky, said, "God that's a warning"
Don't want to sober up
Try to keep it inside, but I just want to pour it
Thought I was strong enough
Got a lot of shit to say, couldn't fit it in the chorus
Stumbling down a corridor, came across an open door
Throwing up is easy and who put on The Commodores?
That's a nice tile floor, wish I got to know you more
Who am I talking to? Nobody
Take me outside, I'm a little too high
Paid a little too much for the time of my life
When money ain't a problem, everyone's sliding
Even when I tell myself that I
Don't want to sober up
The sun is killing my buzz, that's why they call it mourning
Thought I was strong enough
Threw my bottle at the sky, said, "God that's a warning"
Don't want to sober up
Try to keep it inside, but I just want to pour it
Thought I was strong enough
Got a lot of shit to say, couldn't fit it in the chorus
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Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
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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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/
This song kind of reflects the whole depression thing and how some people handle the process