Over the Rhine is an American, Ohio-based band, the core of which is the hu… Read Full Bio ↴Over the Rhine is an American, Ohio-based band, the core of which is the husband-and-wife team of pianist/guitarist/bassist Linford Detweiler and vocalist/guitarist Karin Bergquist. The band originally began as a quartet with guitarist Ric Hordinski and drummer Brian Kelley. Hordinski left the band in December 1996, and Kelley continued to play into 1997 before departing. The original foursome has reunited a couple of times recently; first in December of 2008 at The Taft Theatre (in Cincinnati) to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the formation of the band and more recently, in the summer of 2010 at Ric's studio, "the Monastery," to play the album "Good Dog Bad Dog" live, in its entirety.

The band's namesake and place of origin is the Cincinnati, Ohio neighborhood Over-the-Rhine. Karin attended school in Barnesville, Ohio and graduated from Barnesville High School in 1984. She then went to Malone College, located in Canton, Ohio, where she met Linford. Karin and Linford were married in the fall of 1996 in Cincinnati and several years ago relocated to a pre-civil war farm outside of town.

Over the Rhine is now primarily Bergquist (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano) and Detweiler (keyboards, electric bass, vocals) accompanied by complementary musicians on albums and tours. Over the years, they have toured and recorded in many variations. They have shared the stage with a number of fine musicians, including Bob Dylan, John Prine, Adrian Belew, Squeeze, Ani DiFranco, My Morning Jacket, Hem, and toured as "adjunct" members of Cowboy Junkies.

Over the Rhine's new album, _The Long Surrender_ was released nationally on 1/1/11. It recorded on California with Grammy winning producer, Joe Henry and contains a duet with Lucinda Williams on "Undamned" and two songs co-written with Joe Henry.

Anyway
Over the Rhine Lyrics

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Anyway
words and music: Bergquist
recording: Amateur Shortwave Radio

it's enough for now
besides I feel so awkward
anyway
and there is no doubt

I could sleep for hours
anyway
(i'll never leave you now)

any recourse now
well it's much too late
anyway
and our hate
like toys
should be put away
anyway
(i'll never leave you now)

no wonder this confusion
you've suffered all my delusions

we can right the end
we can close this chapter
anyway
we can start again
no matter what comes after

anyway
(i'll never leave you now)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Over the Rhine's song "Anyway" express a feeling of discomfort and unease, as well as a sense of resignation and acceptance. The repeated phrase "anyway" suggests a recognition of the present circumstances, even though they may not be ideal. The singer acknowledges their awkwardness and the fact that they could sleep for hours, implying a weariness both physically and emotionally.

The line "I'll never leave you now" reinforces a sense of commitment and loyalty, suggesting that despite the discomfort and confusion, the singer remains devoted to the person they are addressing. It hints at a deep connection that transcends the current difficulties.

The mention of hate being put away like toys indicates a desire to let go of negative emotions and move forward. It suggests that holding onto anger and resentment is childish and unproductive. The phrase "no wonder this confusion, you've suffered all my delusions" reveals a self-awareness of the singer's role in causing confusion and pain. It implies a recognition of their own flaws and a desire to make amends.

The final stanza offers a sense of hope and renewal. The singer states that they can "right the end" and "close this chapter." This suggests a willingness to address and resolve any lingering issues or conflicts. They also express a readiness to start anew, emphasizing that they are committed to the relationship regardless of what lies ahead.

Overall, "Anyway" captures a complex mix of emotions, including discomfort, acceptance, commitment, and hope for a fresh beginning.

Line by Line Meaning

it's enough for now
I feel satisfied and content with the current situation

besides I feel so awkward
Additionally, I feel uncomfortable and uneasy

and there is no doubt
There is complete certainty

I could sleep for hours
I am extremely tired and in need of rest

any recourse now
Is there any possible action or solution at this point

well it's much too late
Unfortunately, it is now past the point of being able to change or fix anything

and our hate
The strong negative emotions we have towards each other

like toys
Should be treated as insignificant or unimportant

should be put away
They should be set aside or forgotten

no wonder this confusion
It's understandable why there is confusion in this situation