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.
What mind can't devour itself?
Atrophied ego, degenerate cells
Just beyond the curtain of dark
An unknown number, an unseen attack
Suggestions of something beyond
Moving about in dark attic rooms
Subconscious thought working against
Your own will
Terror Consumes
Dread's geometric design
Evolution's byproduct, sickening fear
The mind simply cannot abide
All of the things that it can't stop creating
Branches aligned in the sky
Brain is imprisoned and skull is a tomb
Beckoning arms of the night
Calling you
Terror Consumes
Terror Consumes
No release from horror
Recreation recombines
Charming by the light of day
By night it realigns
Anxiety will overcome
And all the world's askew
You can't see the ghost
But be assured, the ghost sees you
Pale radiance as day breaks again
Heaving a sigh as the witch takes its leave
Go hide in the hours of the sun
But time is a cycle, it's finite, and soon is it spent
On the horizon the sun
Is dying and red in a worsening gloom
You will return to the house
that you built
Terror Consumes
Atrophied ego, degenerate cells
Just beyond the curtain of dark
An unknown number, an unseen attack
Suggestions of something beyond
Moving about in dark attic rooms
Subconscious thought working against
Your own will
Terror Consumes
Dread's geometric design
Evolution's byproduct, sickening fear
The mind simply cannot abide
All of the things that it can't stop creating
Branches aligned in the sky
Brain is imprisoned and skull is a tomb
Beckoning arms of the night
Calling you
Terror Consumes
Terror Consumes
No release from horror
Recreation recombines
Charming by the light of day
By night it realigns
Anxiety will overcome
And all the world's askew
You can't see the ghost
But be assured, the ghost sees you
Pale radiance as day breaks again
Heaving a sigh as the witch takes its leave
Go hide in the hours of the sun
But time is a cycle, it's finite, and soon is it spent
On the horizon the sun
Is dying and red in a worsening gloom
You will return to the house
that you built
Terror Consumes
Lyrics submitted by Kingofstilport
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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.
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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,
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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/