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.
She had hair like Jeannie Shrimpton back in 1965
She had legs that never ended
I was halfway paralyzed
She was tall and cool and pretty and she dressed as black as coal
If she asked me to I'd murder, I would gladly lose my soul
Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep
Well she held a bass guitar and she was playing in a band
And she stood just like Bill Wyman
Now I am her biggest fan
Now I know I'm one of many who would like to be your friend
And I've got to find a way to to let you know I'm not like them
Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep
Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep
Got your number form a friend of mine who lives in your home town
Called you up to have a drink
Your roommate said you weren't around
Now I know I'm one of many who would like to be your friend
And I've just got to find a way to to let you know I'm not like them
Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep
Behind the wall of sleep
Behind the wall of sleep
Behind the wall of sleep
She had legs that never ended
I was halfway paralyzed
She was tall and cool and pretty and she dressed as black as coal
If she asked me to I'd murder, I would gladly lose my soul
Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep
Well she held a bass guitar and she was playing in a band
And she stood just like Bill Wyman
Now I am her biggest fan
Now I know I'm one of many who would like to be your friend
And I've got to find a way to to let you know I'm not like them
Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep
Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep
Got your number form a friend of mine who lives in your home town
Called you up to have a drink
Your roommate said you weren't around
Now I know I'm one of many who would like to be your friend
And I've just got to find a way to to let you know I'm not like them
Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep
Behind the wall of sleep
Behind the wall of sleep
Behind the wall of sleep
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@[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.
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Saw the Smithereens recently. Pat talked about writng the song. It was about Kim Ernst from a Boston band called the Bristols. If they play in your local area they are a must see. Awesome show.
@northeastnostalgia Have seen them a couple times. Always a great show.
It's a pretty straight-forward song about having a crush on a bass-player who's a bit out of his reach. I first heard this on the Left of the Dial compilation (excellent compilation of 80's underground music, pick it up) and I can't stop playing it. It actually reminds me of the song "Left of the Dial" by The Replacements.
I definitely hear that "Left of the Dial" similarity in the lyrics. Musically it reminds me of "Burning House of Love" by X.
I saw about 80% of the video for "Behind the Wall of Sleep" on MTV one night in 1986 or 1987 and had to find the album. Wow. After more than twenty years, the song hold up very well, and indeed, I rate Especially for You as one of the three best albums, start-to-finish, among the several hundred in my collection (the other two being Lush's Lovelife (1996) and Squeeze's Argybargy (1980)). At some point I supplemented the LP I'd originally bought with a CD, but it still gets a regular listen.
I had always thought it was about Michael "Micky" Steele of the Bangles (and formerly of the Runaways), but in fact the song was written about Kimberleigh Ernst, bass player for The Bristols, a Boston band.
I first heard this song on a freebie compilation CD I got from Borders Books. Bill Wyman was one of the Rolling Stones. Who is Jeannie Shipton? Is this song about a specific musician, or just painting a picture?
There's many songs about dreams, but I like how this one avoids the cliche by using "wall of sleep".
this is a great song. I think that he's in love with this girl, but she's avoiding him, so the only thing he can do is the "dream of her behind the wall of sleep"
Jeannie Shrimpton was a model in the 1960s.
I have always thought the song was about his crush of the bass player from the Cramps of circa mid 1980ies I think Candy del Mar but the dark raven haired one
Great rock song. Just straight to the heart, just a simple catharsis. This kind of music doesn't get enough credit.
I dont like their lyrics.. Maybe because they are too tipical, too simple. Just like they are written for teenagers. and maybe is...