Everybody Wants Some
Van Halen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You can't get romantic on a subway line
Conductor don't like it, says you're wastin' your time
But everybody wants some
I want some too
Everybody wants some
Baby, how 'bout you?

Yeah, I've seen the people that are lookin' for a moonbeam

Yeah, ya spent a lot ya got lost in the jet-stream
But everybody wants some
I want some too
Everybody wants some
How 'bout you?

Oh yeah, uh yeah, yeah, yeah
Everybody wants some
I want some too oh
Everybody wants some
How 'bout you?

Oh, where'd you get that shit?
Oh, that, I like it
I like the way the line runs up the back of the stockings
I've always liked those kind of high heels too you know, I
No no no no, don't take 'em off, don't take leave 'em on, leave 'em on
Yeah, that's it, a little more to the right, a little more

Everybody wants some
I want some too
Everybody wants some
Baby, how 'bout you?
Everybody wants some
Everybody needs some
Everybody wants some
Everybody needs some (wo)

Look, I'll pay you for it, what the fuck?

Overall Meaning

Van Halen's "Everybody Wants Some" is a classic 80s rock song that speaks to the desire for romantic encounters and sensual pleasures. The lyrics convey a sense of rebellion against authority figures who try to stifle these desires, such as the subway conductor who warns against getting romantic on the subway line. The singer is unrepentant, declaring that "everybody wants some" and asking the listener if they feel the same way. The song's overall message is one of hedonistic enjoyment, as the singer encourages the listener to indulge in whatever pleasures they desire.

One interesting aspect of the song is its structure, which features a long instrumental introduction before the lyrics even begin. This reflects the band's roots in the improvisational style of blues and jazz, and also allows the guitar-playing of Eddie Van Halen to take center stage. Once the lyrics do begin, they are relatively simple and repetitive, with a catchy chorus that allows for audience participation. This makes the song a perfect fit for live performances, where it could inspire crowds to sing along and dance.

Another interesting aspect of "Everybody Wants Some" is the inclusion of spoken-word interludes, such as the one in which the singer admires the stockings of a woman on the subway. This adds a playful and flirtatious tone to the song, as well as a hint of voyeurism. It also showcases the band's sense of humor and willingness to experiment with different musical styles and techniques.

Line by Line Meaning

You can't get romantic on a subway line
Trying to act romantic on a subway is futile and the conductor won't appreciate it

Conductor don't like it, says you're wastin' your time
The conductor disapproves and thinks you're wasting your efforts

But everybody wants some
Despite the circumstances, everyone desires something

I want some too
The artist also has wants and desires

Baby, how 'bout you?
Addressing the listener, the artist asks if they want something as well

Yeah, I've seen the people that are lookin' for a moonbeam
Some people are searching for unattainable, unrealistic things

Yeah, ya spent a lot ya got lost in the jet-stream
You may have spent a lot of time and effort pursuing something only to end up lost and directionless

Oh yeah, uh yeah, yeah, yeah
An exclamation of excitement or agreement

Oh, where'd you get that shit?
Expressing an interest in something the listener is wearing or using

Oh, that, I like it
The artist expresses their appreciation for the item

I like the way the line runs up the back of the stockings
The singer is specifically complimenting the design of the stockings the listener is wearing

I've always liked those kind of high heels too you know, I
The artist admits to liking the particular style of high heels as well

No no no no, don't take 'em off, don't take leave 'em on, leave 'em on
The singer wants the listener to keep their stockings and shoes on

Yeah, that's it, a little more to the right, a little more
The singer is giving specific instructions to the listener on how to position themselves

Everybody wants some
Repeating the chorus, reaffirming the idea that everyone wants something

Everybody needs some
Adding to the chorus, implying that everyone has a need or desire for something

Everybody wants some
Repeating the chorus once again

Everybody needs some (wo)
A slight variation of the previous line, with the addition of an interjection

Look, I'll pay you for it, what the fuck?
The final line is not directly linked to the rest of the song, but could be interpreted as the singer attempting to negotiate a transaction

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EDWARD VAN HALEN, ALEX VAN HALEN, MICHAEL ANTHONY, DAVID LEE ROTH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS