Van Halen

Released: March 26, 1980

Songwriter: Alex Van Halen Eddie Van Halen David Lee Roth Michael Anthony (Bassist)

Producer: Ted Templeman

1, 2, 1-2-3-4

Out upon the islands on a cool summer night
Buddy, you don't got to hurry. Take your time
What you need is on the menu and you get it tonight
Buddy, you got womens on your mind

Could this be magic
Or could this be love?
Could this turn tragic?
You know that magic often does

And I see lonely ships upon the water
Better save the women and children first
Sail away with someone's daughter
Better save the women and children first

I hear music on the landin', and there's laughter in the air
Just could be your boat is comin' in
Yeah, you're leanin' back, and your foot's tappin' and you got your head right
There's a full moon out tonight. Baby, let's begin

And she said, could this be magic
Or could this be love?
Uh-oh, and I said, could this turn tragic?
You know that magic often does

And I see lonely ships upon the water
Better save the women and children first
Sail away with someone's daughter
Better save the women and children first

And she says, could this be magic
Or could this be love?
And I say, could this turn tragic?
You know that magic often does

And I see lonely ships upon the water
Better save the women and children first
Sail away with someone's daughter
Better save the women and children first, yes sir

Van Halen is one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time. Formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, the group’s primary line-up consisted of Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth providing lead vocals, and Michael Anthony providing bass duties and significant harmonies.

Their first six albums, recorded and released between 1977–1984, are considered to be classics and pioneering efforts in the field of hard rock. Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar sound and techniques completely changed the landscape of music and radio culture in the 1980s. His and brother Alex’s virtuosity, along with David Lee Roth’s charisma and bassist Michael Anthony’s foundational contributions garnered the band early comparisons to their predecessors—Led Zeppelin—a group who had a profound influence on them. Though, even more so than Jimmy Page, Eddie cites Eric Clapton as having the biggest impact on his playing.

In 1977, after recording a demo with Gene Simmons (who wanted the band to change their name to “Daddy Longlegs”) they were introduced to KISS‘ management, who told Simmons they wouldn’t sign them

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Women and Children First

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Women and Children First (1980)

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