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.
They're gonna send us to prison for jerks
For having vague ideas of the way to turn each other on again
They're gonna send us to prison for jerks
They'll find us here
Here, here in the guest room
Where we throw money at each other and cry
Oh, my
We miss being ruffians, going wild and bright
In the corners of front yards, getting in and out of cars
We miss being deviants
They'll find us here
Here, here in the guest room
Where we throw money at each other and cry
Oh, my
We can't stay here
We're starting to stay the same
We can't stay here
We can't stay this way
Just tie your woman to your wrist
Give her the room to tie the others
They'll find us here
Here, here in the guest room
Where we throw money at each other and cry
Oh, my
For having vague ideas of the way to turn each other on again
They're gonna send us to prison for jerks
They'll find us here
Here, here in the guest room
Where we throw money at each other and cry
Oh, my
We miss being ruffians, going wild and bright
In the corners of front yards, getting in and out of cars
We miss being deviants
They'll find us here
Here, here in the guest room
Where we throw money at each other and cry
Oh, my
We can't stay here
We're starting to stay the same
We can't stay here
We can't stay this way
Just tie your woman to your wrist
Give her the room to tie the others
They'll find us here
Here, here in the guest room
Where we throw money at each other and cry
Oh, my
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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"
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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,
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
My interpretation's somewhat close to devilgirl's, but I think the song's from the perspective of one couple, probably a married couple (marriage is the imagery I get from "tie a woman to your wrist"). I also agree with despero that it ties into Boxer's running theme of losing youth. They've been together a long time, the spark is gone. When they got together they were young and rebellious; becoming society's definition of "adults" has dulled them down ("we're starting to stay the same"). That they're in the guest room means that they're no longer in their bedroom: they've become strangers, the intimacy is gone, they're visitors in their own home. It used to be about passion and fun, now it's about money and stability.
I agree with some of the other users. I think this is an analogy for a marriage going the way most do, or what happens in steady relationships after a period of time. Your feelings and all that you do move into a "different part of the house" you bought into in the first place. Sexy fun exciting stuff goes away and money problems take the place...sad...but true....the loss of being in love with your significant other and just becoming roommates who keep trying to make things exciting, sexy and fun again.
i think this song is rather about the judgment day, and how we all are going to be questioned for what we did. he sing they(the angels and all the heavenly figures) will send us to prison (hell, etc) for being jerks (sinful) and for having vague ideas(questioning god's presence) and treating each other badly (all the wars, crimes...)...and importantly he says they (the heavenly figures) will find us here in the Guest Room, the gues room being the earth our world, where all we do is just wait for our death and finally the judgemnt day..and he is sayingg there is nothing we can doo but throw money at each other (indulge ourselves in materials and earthly things..everyday life) and cry (complain and question our plight and its purpose if it has one)..i really dig this song coz i am in that state of mind
the strong drumming continues in this song and keeps this excellent album moving.
For some reason, this song reminds me of the novel On the Road by Jack Kerouac.
Really good song. I think it's about losing youth, which seems to be a recurring theme in Boxer. It's also about not giving in to the mainstream or the status quo, after holding out for so long.
Seems like a story as old as time of two old lovers getting in touch and feeling a spark again while they are currently married to (or in a significant relationship with) other people. It's not clear to me whether they are actually having an affair or if it's just something that they fantasize about. As you get older, it's hard sometimes not to think about past loves, and want to get back with them just to feel young again.
I agree with knels21 about the percussion on this album. I think its the most important instrument at moving the songs along and setting the tone. For example the drumming on Squalor Victoria gives it a dark cold feeling wheras on fake empire it propels the song along. Is this effect as profound on the Nationals previous work?
and i forgot to add that he mentions the only way you can ease this plight is through love, (hold your womann tight) and hope that things work out....
i see it as being about a someone who feels like his life is being ripped away from him by society and its social norms, and he is tired of having to give into such materialistic and mainstream views. He misses his youth and the freedom that it held and allowed him to be a "deviant" and "ruffian".
agree with the drumming, key through the whole album, fantastic
i like koruboy's interpretation, though i don't agree, it's interesting and well though out