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.
Propped up at the pulpit
A speech to please the proles
With coca-cola
Trickling down my throat
Well would you save all of your bottles
If I promised a refund
It's gonna come
I swear I swear I swear I swear
That it is
If you've got a special interest
There is influence I could sell
Just like water takes the shape of where it is held
I'm overflowing with ambition
But I got to keep in mind
The bottom line
Is the dollar signs
And big bright lights
Inequality franchised
The next location is mine
We're gonna lower costs
It's a work of art
Our giant golden arch
I'm gonna start a factory
The size of a country
I'm gonna teach them all
To work for liberty oh
But I'm not one for handouts
No they got to pay their dues
They can make our shoes
And then we'll walk on you
Always on the move
We heard that business will boom
If some people are removed
I know there's all body types
But we have just one size
I don't care if it's tight
It's the dollar signs
And the big bright lights
Inequality franchised
Every location is mine
You just do your part
Form a line lets march
Under the golden arch
March march march march
A speech to please the proles
With coca-cola
Trickling down my throat
Well would you save all of your bottles
If I promised a refund
It's gonna come
I swear I swear I swear I swear
That it is
If you've got a special interest
There is influence I could sell
Just like water takes the shape of where it is held
I'm overflowing with ambition
But I got to keep in mind
The bottom line
Is the dollar signs
And big bright lights
Inequality franchised
The next location is mine
We're gonna lower costs
It's a work of art
Our giant golden arch
I'm gonna start a factory
The size of a country
I'm gonna teach them all
To work for liberty oh
But I'm not one for handouts
No they got to pay their dues
They can make our shoes
And then we'll walk on you
Always on the move
We heard that business will boom
If some people are removed
I know there's all body types
But we have just one size
I don't care if it's tight
It's the dollar signs
And the big bright lights
Inequality franchised
Every location is mine
You just do your part
Form a line lets march
Under the golden arch
March march march march
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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/
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.
"i think you're gonna love this."