Our band is working up the song “Bang on the Ear”… what does it mean? One opinion is that to “bang on the ear” is to criticize.
Clark
Is this the song by The Waterboys? Context would clarify.
I rather think if it is the above, it means what it says - an open handed slap round the side of the head, just to level the score.
In hearing the words tonight at our rehersal (another is doing the singing) I rather think it means a song or tune.? I’ll band you on the ear with this tune.
Clark
Bang you on the ear, or band you on the ear, which?
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/w/waterboys,-the/145282.html
Lindsay was my first love she was in my class
I would have loved to take her out but I was too shy to ask
The fullness of my feeling was never made clear
But I send her my love with a bang on the ear
Martin was correct. It’s a slap on the side of the head.
Great. A song about abusive relationships. :roll:
funny…I used to play this song at open mics in the early 90s…always thought it meant a kiss or at least something affectionate! 
according to Mike Scott at http://www.mikescottwaterboys.com/ (faq):
What does the term “A Bang On The Ear” mean ?
“It’s a term of affection.”
Lindsay was my first love she was in my class
I would have loved to take her out but I was too shy to ask
The fullness of my feeling was never made clear
But I send her my love with a bang on the ear
Nora was my girl when I first was in a group
I can still see her to this day, stirring chicken soup
Now she’s living in australia working for an auctioneer
But I send her my love with a bang on the ear
Deborah broke my heart and I the willing fool
I fell for her one summer on the road to liverpool
I thought it was forever but it was over in a year (oh dear)
But I give her my love with a bang on the ear
The home I made with bella became a house of pain
We weathered it together bound by a ball and chain
Is started up in fife, and ended up in tears (oh dear)
But I send her my love with a bang on the ear
Krista was a rover from canada she hailed
We crossed swords in san francisco we both lived to tell the tale
I don’t know now where she is oh but if I had her here
I’d give her my love with a bang on the ear
So my woman of the hearthfire, harbour of my soul
I watch you lightly sleeping and sense the dream that does unfold (like gold)
You to me are treasure, you to me are dear
So I’ll give you my love with a bang on the ear
Mike Scott, from Fisherman’s Blues, 1988
I’ve always though of it as a kind of affectionate violence, like when you slug someone on the shoulder.
I’m still partial to song. "I’ll send her my love with a song (bang on the ear); but I have to defer to the guy who wrote the song… if he says a term of affection - then there it is.
Clark