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 are astronomical fans of alcohol
So welcome in
Up rising in the East and setting in the West
All waving flags
We're all waving flags now
Waving flags
But don't be scared
Cause you, you're only here for a while
And it's all a joke
Oh, it's all a joke
Oh
Are you of legal drinking age, on minimum wage
Well, welcome in
From across the Vistula, you've come so very far
All waving flags
We're all waving flags now
Waving flags
But don't be scared
Cause you, you're only here for a while
And it's all a joke
Oh, it's all a joke
Oh
Beer is not dark
Beer is not light
It just tastes good
Especially tonight
(Oh welcome in)
So welcome in, we are barbarians
Oh welcome in, across the Carpathians
Oh welcome in, we are from Slavia
Oh welcome in, across the stadion
Oh we cant fail, not with Czech ecstasy
No we won't fail, not with Czech ecstasy
So welcome in
So welcome in
Up rising in the East and setting in the West
All waving flags
We're all waving flags now
Waving flags
But don't be scared
Cause you, you're only here for a while
And it's all a joke
Oh, it's all a joke
Oh
Are you of legal drinking age, on minimum wage
Well, welcome in
From across the Vistula, you've come so very far
All waving flags
We're all waving flags now
Waving flags
But don't be scared
Cause you, you're only here for a while
And it's all a joke
Oh, it's all a joke
Oh
Beer is not dark
Beer is not light
It just tastes good
Especially tonight
(Oh welcome in)
So welcome in, we are barbarians
Oh welcome in, across the Carpathians
Oh welcome in, we are from Slavia
Oh welcome in, across the stadion
Oh we cant fail, not with Czech ecstasy
No we won't fail, not with Czech ecstasy
So welcome in
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More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
The Night We Met
Lord Huron
Lord Huron
This is a hauntingly beautiful song about introspection, specifically about looking back at a relationship that started bad and ended so poorly, that the narrator wants to go back to the very beginning and tell himself to not even travel down that road. I believe that the relationship started poorly because of the lines:
"Take me back to the night we met:When the night was full of terrors: And your eyes were filled with tears: When you had not touched me yet"
So, the first night was not a great start, but the narrator pursued the relationship and eventually both overcame the rough start to fall in love with each other:
"I had all and then most of you"
Like many relationships that turn sour, it was not a quick decline, but a gradual one where the narrator and their partner fall out of love and gradually grow apart
"Some and now none of you"
Losing someone who was once everything in your world, who you could confide in, tell your secrets to, share all the most intimate parts of your life, to being strangers with that person is probably one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. So Painful, the narrator wants to go back in time and tell himself to not even pursue the relationship.
This was the perfect song for "13 Reasons Why"
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.
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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
this seems to address the modern British "fear" of immagration from the east of Europe into the UK. The lyrics argue for inclusion and run counter to the tabloid scare tactics of the Daily Mail and its ilk. The waving of flags image is a neat one: while admitting diversity it also suggests nonagression, an act of peace. The references to beer link with the band's Budvar interests: Czech Ecstacsy indeed! The immigrants, far from threatening, are welcomed openly in the song.
These aren't even close to the real lyrics.
You are astronomical fans of alcohol, so welcome in. Earth arising in the East and setting in the West, all waving flags. (chorus) And you, you're only here for a while and it's all a joke, it's all a joke. Are you of legal drinking age? on minimum wage? well welcome in. From across the vistula, you've come so very far, all waving flags. (chorus) Beer is not dark, beer is not light, it just tastes good, especially tonight. Oh welcome in, 'cross the carpathians, welcome in, we are barbarians, welcome in across the stadia, oh we cant fail, not with Czech ecstasy etc. etc.
@tony300 I think that is mostly right. I don't think it is "Earth arising" though.
feels like a patriotic song to me
I like that interpretation regulus43.
I almost get the impression of them being at the pub watching the match with some mates. Some Czechs show up and they tell them they're welcome in the bar. Their race and country doesn't matter. Only their love of beer and sport.
And that's a good metaphor for the larger picture of the immigration issues.
I agree with regulus43.
I just wanted to add that in the CD booklet, 12 international maritime signal flags are shown above the lyrics. They spell the letters of the phrase "If not now, when?"
lyrics are kinda silly, but i really like the shoegaze feel.
at glasto (not that i was there, i read it in nme hahaha) they sang this song wiht the bulgarian national choir so that would back up what the others are saying above ^^^
regulus43, you've hit the nail on the head. I wonder why so few people have commented on BSP's songs? They're far too good to ignore.
It's "across the stadia."