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.
Kashka from Baghdad lives in sin they say
With another man
But no one knows who
Old friends never call there
Some wonder if life's inside at all
If there's life inside at all
But we know the lady who rents the room
She catches them calling à la lune
At night they're seen
Laughing, loving
They know the way
To be happy
They never go for walks
Maybe it's because the moon's not bright enough
There's light in love you see
I watch their shadows
Tall and slim in the window opposite
I long to be with them
Because when all the alley-cats come out
You can hear music from Kashka's house
At night they're seen
Laughing, loving
They know the way
To be happy
With another man
But no one knows who
Old friends never call there
Some wonder if life's inside at all
If there's life inside at all
But we know the lady who rents the room
She catches them calling à la lune
At night they're seen
Laughing, loving
They know the way
To be happy
They never go for walks
Maybe it's because the moon's not bright enough
There's light in love you see
I watch their shadows
Tall and slim in the window opposite
I long to be with them
Because when all the alley-cats come out
You can hear music from Kashka's house
At night they're seen
Laughing, loving
They know the way
To be happy
Lyrics submitted by weezerific:cutlery, edited by Mellow_Harsher
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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.
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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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,
Just A Little Lovin'
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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/
Kate is so cool...isn't this the first song about a gay male couple???
Indeed this song is about a gay male couple. Kate sings as Kashka's neighbor and she sees him happy with another man and she envies them because she can't have seem to have the happiness that they have. She wants to get to know them. What does "a la lune" mean?
And the neighbor feels a little guilty spying and feeling jealous.
I always found it funny and odd that poeple think it is about gay couple - Kashka is a female name.
Kashka is not just a female name it's more commonly used as a boys name in Muslim North African countries, it was also confirmed by Kate Bush that it was about a gay couple.
Also she says "with another man."
Lune is moon in french.
"A la lune" would mean "by the moon"--she only sees them visiting at night, and they never go out when they could be seen, since they'd probably be harassed (or worse) for it.
Coincidentally, I can't help but wonder if there's some influence on Kate by Susan Traynor, aka Noosha Fox of '70s British pop group Fox--they both had a high, squeaky vocal style, somewhat fantastical songs, a band of crack pop musicians playing in an unmistakably '70s style, and Fox also had a song, "Georgina Bailey," which makes reference to a pair of gay men living in France. I won't divulge more, in case you want to check out the song yourself (a Top of the Pops performance of the song can be found at youtube.com/watch).
Maybe this is about what the outside world feels and what Kate really feels. It sounds like this is about stigma "Lives in sin they say" but she clearly wants to be part of that world. I feel this song has some similar elements to wuthering heights in the mentioning of 'the window opposite' or gazing in through a window. I also thought at one point she was almost a voyeur singing this song. Oh and yes - it's about a gay couple!
i think there's an underlying theme of lonliness
the narrator is so lonely and sees them happy and wishes she could be happy with them
Definitely one of Kate Bush' finest song.