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.
Went down to Coddingtown to buy for lucky dog.
Moved on up to sono-co to clear my head of smog.
People round town they all line up to buy them chevrolets.
But me I talked to the mopar man, been talkin' now for days.
I went down to Coddingtown, it seemed the thing to do.
You can get it all down there, from tennis balls to glue.
Standin' up in the old smoke shop, met a girl named honey pie.
If you shamble long enough, you wanna' go, you gotta' go.
Bring me on back.
Lordy, lordy, Coddingtown, that's the place to be.
Lordy, lordy, Coddingtown, that's the place for me.
I went down to Coddingtown and met old Santy Claus
Beanie boy got a hold of that beard, nearly yanked it from his jaws
I stepped on up to the pizza man and gobbled down some filth.
I shambled round now too damn long I wanna' go, I gotta' go.
Bring me on back.
Lordy, lordy, Coddingtown, that's the place to be.
Lordy, lordy, Coddingtown, that's the place for me.
Moved on up to sono-co to clear my head of smog.
People round town they all line up to buy them chevrolets.
But me I talked to the mopar man, been talkin' now for days.
I went down to Coddingtown, it seemed the thing to do.
You can get it all down there, from tennis balls to glue.
Standin' up in the old smoke shop, met a girl named honey pie.
If you shamble long enough, you wanna' go, you gotta' go.
Bring me on back.
Lordy, lordy, Coddingtown, that's the place to be.
Lordy, lordy, Coddingtown, that's the place for me.
I went down to Coddingtown and met old Santy Claus
Beanie boy got a hold of that beard, nearly yanked it from his jaws
I stepped on up to the pizza man and gobbled down some filth.
I shambled round now too damn long I wanna' go, I gotta' go.
Bring me on back.
Lordy, lordy, Coddingtown, that's the place to be.
Lordy, lordy, Coddingtown, that's the place for me.
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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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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/
Coddingtown, is a shopping mall is Santa Rosa, California. Subaros is the the pizza place in the song, and the 'ol smoke shop is actually called The Squire. Sono-co is short for Sonoma County, where I understand Les lives and where Coddingtown and the Del Davis tree farm is.
Awesome info JAStewart man.
I also just wanted to add how much this song rules!
This song makes me want to go places, indeed it's a great song to walk or run to. Anyway it makes me think of how we're all rushing to go somewhere, do something, that's what he's rushing to do.
I think Les seems to like having a metaphor and a personal meaning too in all (?) of his songs (see Groundhogs Day, think he said something live or in an interview) but anyway that's what I think they are for this song.
Coddingtown sucks, there's nothing to do but show the girl at the ammo counter of BIG5 how little she knows...good song. Fuggin Slownoma.