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.
Three, four
Well, everybody's talking and no one says a word
Everybody's making love and no one really cares
There's matches in the bathroom, just below the stairs
Always something happening and nothing going on
There's always something cooking and nothing in the pot
They're starving back in China so finish what you got
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Strange days indeed
Strange days indeed
Everybody's runnin' and no one makes a move
Well, everybody's a winner
And nothing left to lose
There's a little yellow idol to the north of Katmandu
Everybody's flying and no one leaves the ground
Well, everybody's crying and no one makes a sound
There's a place for us in movies
You just gotta lay around
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Strange days indeed
Most peculiar, mama
Everybody's smoking and no one's getting high
Everybody's flying and never touch the sky
There's UFO's over New York and I ain't too surprised
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Strange days indeed
Most peculiar, Mama, roll
Well, everybody's talking and no one says a word
Everybody's making love and no one really cares
There's matches in the bathroom, just below the stairs
Always something happening and nothing going on
There's always something cooking and nothing in the pot
They're starving back in China so finish what you got
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Strange days indeed
Strange days indeed
Everybody's runnin' and no one makes a move
Well, everybody's a winner
And nothing left to lose
There's a little yellow idol to the north of Katmandu
Everybody's flying and no one leaves the ground
Well, everybody's crying and no one makes a sound
There's a place for us in movies
You just gotta lay around
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Strange days indeed
Most peculiar, mama
Everybody's smoking and no one's getting high
Everybody's flying and never touch the sky
There's UFO's over New York and I ain't too surprised
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Nobody told me there'd be days like these
Strange days indeed
Most peculiar, Mama, roll
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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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”
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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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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
I agree with you both. I get the impression John is saying that there is so much going on in the world that noone pays attention to it and nobody wants to change the world for the better.
Hmm, in my opinion, he sings about following other's example, no matter if it's good or bad. There are so many people in the world who can't find their true selves, so they do things just for the fact of doing it. Or like you, guys said, it could be about folks' inner indifference. Because we all talk about important things, but what percent of us decides to put our big plans into action?
I think it might mean that all these things are going on but nothing is actually being achieved, hence all the contradictions, then the random lines are saying life's just there. The Nobody told me bit might be referring to the days that John has these feelings of, well, we're not achieving anything good. Of course, it might just be a general song about our crazy world.
I know everyone always makes post that say this but I can't believe nobody's posted on this song. Right now it's actually December 9th and yesterday it was the 25th anniversary of John's death. They played this song on the radio and it just absolutely blew my mind. I had forgotten all about it. It was like it was meant to happen. Usually on the 8th I listen to John's happier somewhat sillier stuff. It's gets me out of the sad mood thinking about him puts me in on this day. It's a great contrast to his very serious songs. That stuff is absolutely genius but it's nice to think about him in a happier light.
Anyway, I think this song's about how people believe in things but never really do anything about it. They don't try to change it just try to live with it. Or it could just be a silly song John wrote. I'd kinda prefer the latter. "They're starving back in China so finish what you got." Lol.
I couldn't agree with peacefrog anymore. A great song about how people just do thing for the sake of doing them but don't have any meaning behund their actions.
I always thought the line was "matches" not "Nazi's"
i did too XD
LOL,I take it you both use them there then? (Say that 5 times fast eh?)
Another one of Lennon's masterpieces. I agree with Peacefrog. This song is about people believing about things but never do anything about it. What do you think "There's a UFO over New York and I ain't too surprised." is about? Can't figure it out.
@Dire Lennon saw a UFO form his apartment in NY, he even called the radio to report it. <br /> In the original edition of the album Milk and Honey he wrote "On "August 23rd of 1974 I saw a UFO".
Dire, I think the line references that we've become desensitized. We've been exposed to so much that even aliens don't give us a second thought.
Yes, The_Sun_King I totally agree with you. I think most wealthy, industrialized citizens are usually desensitized people to the plight of the world! Look at Africa! AND I BLAME IT ON POP CULTURE. Mindless video games, $9 dollar ticket movies that steal half your day but make actors richer, and that TUBE of all things. And of course this money-making machine called capitalism for which people tune to the tube because their so tired of working! I am thinking of debrainwashing myself from pop culture or any other false thing that gets on my last nerve. And even though i have great ideas about doing my part to help society its going really slow & am still in school and procrastinating! Its like a line I heard from The Shins that says "I knew that worthless dregs we've always been!" But some of us are worthless i cant help but say, & i dont want to pass away a worthless dreg... well i basically agree w/ everyone's opinions on here. I do like the idea of thinking of John Lennon on a lighter side.
wow by the looks of my last comment, i had a stick up my ass!! haha when you hear the song over and over again, i think its not meant to outrage you, its meant to be lighthearted i guess... ...most peculiar mamma! -my fav line