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.
And if I told you there's somebody who loves you
Would you say, hey, show me that face
And if I told you that true freedom was actual
Would you say, hey, take me to that place?
And if I said, there is a family
A body that moves as one
Do you feel the LOVE that invites us
Liberty excites us
The disco has just begun, has just begun
give me love, give me liberty, disco
The place everybody in the family's found
On that day we will all be happy people
When love, liberty, disco's in town
and as we step into the light of the lover
We're all the same, there's no rich or poor
And you know it's never been good for a man to be alone
So come on in, your name's on the door
What are we waiting for
all our fears are turning 'round
Fall down, and meet your maker
Where our true selves will be found
Calling out to every lonely soul
Would you say, hey, show me that face
And if I told you that true freedom was actual
Would you say, hey, take me to that place?
And if I said, there is a family
A body that moves as one
Do you feel the LOVE that invites us
Liberty excites us
The disco has just begun, has just begun
give me love, give me liberty, disco
The place everybody in the family's found
On that day we will all be happy people
When love, liberty, disco's in town
and as we step into the light of the lover
We're all the same, there's no rich or poor
And you know it's never been good for a man to be alone
So come on in, your name's on the door
What are we waiting for
all our fears are turning 'round
Fall down, and meet your maker
Where our true selves will be found
Calling out to every lonely soul
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
A place where we are all equal, where no one is lower than another, and just are accepted. It not nessicarrly heaven, church or sometimes family or just with God.