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.
You got your head turned 'round walking upside down
Through the sunken dream
Through the crushing crowd
You don't know what it means 'cause you're a broken machine
You won't lisp it out
You're dressing up your man
It's all second hand
It's all hindsight
You don't understand
It's just an empty scene
It's still an empty scheme
You want to block it out
But I know what I'm gonna do with this big doubt
I'm gonna make it go away
When you go walking out in
The rose city
Without a fucking clue
With an attitude
Knowing what you need
What you will not do
The enemy is you
You beat up on yourself 'cause there ain't no one else
Who feels quite as good to put straight through hell
You know yourself well
You know what you're about
Just want to block it out
Well, I know what I'm gonna do with this big doubt
I'm gonna hide my face away
Block it out
Well, I know what I'm gonna do with this big doubt
I'm gonna make it go away
Through the sunken dream
Through the crushing crowd
You don't know what it means 'cause you're a broken machine
You won't lisp it out
You're dressing up your man
It's all second hand
It's all hindsight
You don't understand
It's just an empty scene
It's still an empty scheme
You want to block it out
But I know what I'm gonna do with this big doubt
I'm gonna make it go away
When you go walking out in
The rose city
Without a fucking clue
With an attitude
Knowing what you need
What you will not do
The enemy is you
You beat up on yourself 'cause there ain't no one else
Who feels quite as good to put straight through hell
You know yourself well
You know what you're about
Just want to block it out
Well, I know what I'm gonna do with this big doubt
I'm gonna hide my face away
Block it out
Well, I know what I'm gonna do with this big doubt
I'm gonna make it go away
Lyrics submitted by EnjOy IncUbus
The Enemy Is You Lyrics as written by Steven Paul Smith
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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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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/
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 can't believe that no one has commented on this song yet
this in my opinion is possibally my favorite elliott song and it is the namesake of my email address (the.enemy.is.you@gmail.com) and I think it is wonderful
I think that this song is about someone that Elliott cares about a lot and he is frustrated because he/she isn't getting help or telling him what is wrong even though all he wants to do is help her
but the only one who can really help you is yourself, no matter how much other people want to.
i think he gets that, so is going to ignore the problem for everyone's sake.
this is one of my favourites from ES.
I think gookymofo is right, this song is probably about him.
But rollercoastersonja, the part "well, i know what i'm gonna do with this big doubt i'm gonna make it go away" could also be about forgetting it by using drugs/alcohol, not just about suicide 'cause the lyrics go "i'm gonna HIDE my face away, block it out."
because I think most people kind of hide themselves by using drugs and alcohol. but it can be interpreted in many ways, like his lyrics usually can be.
I thought this song had been written during the basement era. I just found out it is a Baby Britain b-side. Anyways, this song, along with Flowers for Charlie, fit perfectly in that album. Flowers for Charlie should have been the last song on the album. As if he was making amends with his past, if you will.
Awesome tune.
Just like Smith's other dark songs, this song is pretty dark. It is one of my favourites from Elliott. Despite what other opinions are of this song, this song is mostly about Smith doubting himself and his self-worth. He was known for this according to his friends and co-horts (Source: Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing by Benjamin Nugent).
Fucking Brilliant.
"you beat up on yourself 'cause there ain't no one else who feels quite as good to put straight through hell" obviously about the self abuse he put himself through.
"well, i know what i'm gonna do with this big doubt i'm gonna make it go away" this really strikes me as a suicide lyric. I'm gonna make it go away, how? by killing yourself.