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.
One, two, three, four!
Almost every day
I see the same face
On broken picture tube
It fits the attitude
If you could see yourself
You put you on a shelf
Your verbal masturbate
Promise to nauseate
Today I'll play the part of non-parent
Not make a hundred rules for you to know about yourself
Not lie and make you believe what's evil
Is making love and making friends and meeting God your own way
The right way
To see
To bleed
Cannot be taught
In turn, you're making us
Fucking hostile!
We stand alone
The truth in right and wrong
The boundaries of the law
You seem to miss the point
Arresting for a joint?
You seem to wonder why
Hundreds of people die
You're writing tickets man
My mom got jumped, they ran!
Now I'll play a public servant
To serve and protect by the law and the state
I'd bust the punks that rape, steal and murder
And leave you be if you crossed me, I'd shake your hand like a man
Not a god
To see
To bleed
Cannot be taught
In turn, you're making us
Fucking hostile!
We stand alone
Vince!
Come meet your maker, boy
Some things you can't enjoy
Because of heaven, hell
A fucking wives tale
They put it in your head
Then put you in your bed
He's watching say your prayers
'Cause God is everywhere
Now I'll play a man learning priesthood
Who's about to take the ultimate test in life
I'd question things because I am human
And call no one my father who's not closer than a stranger
I will not listen
To see
To bleed
Cannot be taught
In turn, you're making us
Fucking!
Fucking!
Fucking!
Fucking hostile!
Almost every day
I see the same face
On broken picture tube
It fits the attitude
If you could see yourself
You put you on a shelf
Your verbal masturbate
Promise to nauseate
Today I'll play the part of non-parent
Not make a hundred rules for you to know about yourself
Not lie and make you believe what's evil
Is making love and making friends and meeting God your own way
The right way
To see
To bleed
Cannot be taught
In turn, you're making us
Fucking hostile!
We stand alone
The truth in right and wrong
The boundaries of the law
You seem to miss the point
Arresting for a joint?
You seem to wonder why
Hundreds of people die
You're writing tickets man
My mom got jumped, they ran!
Now I'll play a public servant
To serve and protect by the law and the state
I'd bust the punks that rape, steal and murder
And leave you be if you crossed me, I'd shake your hand like a man
Not a god
To see
To bleed
Cannot be taught
In turn, you're making us
Fucking hostile!
We stand alone
Vince!
Come meet your maker, boy
Some things you can't enjoy
Because of heaven, hell
A fucking wives tale
They put it in your head
Then put you in your bed
He's watching say your prayers
'Cause God is everywhere
Now I'll play a man learning priesthood
Who's about to take the ultimate test in life
I'd question things because I am human
And call no one my father who's not closer than a stranger
I will not listen
To see
To bleed
Cannot be taught
In turn, you're making us
Fucking!
Fucking!
Fucking!
Fucking hostile!
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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,
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
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.
I especially like the chorus: To see to bleed cannot be thaught... That means there are some things you gotta experience in life and if you don't, you don't know shit about it...