Monday, September 25, 2006

Lyrics Analysis (Do You Believe In Love)

Of all the bands that churned out pop hits in the 80's Huey Lewis & The News might be the one that best exemplified the kind of cheesy lyrics that were par for the course back then. And, in that regard, Do You Believe In Love, in particular, might be their signature song. Have a gander at these beauties...

(As with the last lyrics analysis, my comments appear in red)

DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE
Huey Lewis & The News

I was walking down a one way street (Is the 'one-way' part really that important? I mean, you were walking, not driving. Who cares if the road allows for two-way traffic?)
Just a looking for someone to meet (Anyone in particular or just a random person?)
One woman who was looking for a man (Ahh, there are the requirements. OK. So single man seeking single woman. Nothing too kinky so far.)
Now I'm hoping that the feeling is right (What feeling?)
And I'm wondering if you'll stay for the night (Well, that's a little forward. Hi, nice to meet you. Wanna have a one-night stand?)
So I'm coming (I don't wanna be lonely) (Geez. That's.....uhhhh....wow. Well, that kind of lays the cards on the table, doesn't it?)
I wanna love you all over (Awesomely disgusting. That's a Ron Burgandy pick up line if I've ever heard one.)

Do you believe in love
Do you believe it' true
Do you believe in love
Oh you can bet I believe it too (Oh, I bet you do. But I'm not sure you're really thinking about "love" per se.)

Now the feeling is beginning to grow (...and that's not the only thing that's growing. Hey-oh!!!)
And the meaning is something you only know (What meaning? What in hell are you even talking about?)
If you believe it take my hand and I'll take your heart (...and, in some cases, your virginity.)
Now I'm wondering where does true love begin (I don't know but I think it ended around the "I'm coming" part.)
I'm going under so I'm lettin' you in (That line makes no sense.)
My woman (I don't wanna be lonely) (Clearly)
I wanna love you all over (Again with the "love you all over" nonsense. Good times.)

Do you believe in love
Do you believe it' true
Do you believe in love
Oh you can bet I believe it too

I used to have you in a photograph (I'm so glad it's changed) (Huh? You used to have pictures of someone you just met?)
But now I've got you and it's gonna last (Do you believe in love) (Is it though? Is it really going to last?)

Do you believe in love
Do you believe it' true
Do you believe in love
Oh you can bet I believe it too

(Fade to black...)

Here's the thing though....I can make fun of Huey Lewis all I want but the bottom line is that, circa 1982, I bet Huey could've pulled this rap on just about any woman in the Bay Area and sealed the deal. Maybe not The News. But Huey? Definitely.

2 comments:

Machon said...

Is that a fair trade? A hand for a heart?

I mean, He is already having his way with a complete stranger. Now you are offering your hand for her heart? I just don't think that's a deal you do.

Mike Noone said...

The Islanders would make that deal. And then sign the hand to a 15-year contract.