Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Up To My Neck In You
Mark Kozelek Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Up to my neck in trouble
Up to my neck in strife
Up to my neck in misery
For most of my life I've been a fool
And you know what a fool can do

You came around when I needed you
Now I'm up to my neck in you

Up to my neck in pleasure
Up to my neck in pain
Up to my neck on a railroad track
Waitin' for the trains to come on through
Oh, you knew my time was due

You came around and you pulled me through
Now I'm up to my neck in you

Up to my neck in whiskey
Up to my neck in wine
Up to my neck in wishing
That this life wasn't mine
What can I do
Oh, what can I do

You did what no one else would do
Now I'm up to my neck in you

Overall Meaning

The song Up To My Neck In You by Mark Kozelek talks about a person who has been struggling with various forms of torment, distress, and misfortune for most of their life. The opening lines suggest that the person is currently experiencing a lot of trouble, strife, and misery. The reference to being a fool and knowing what a fool can do could be an indication that the person has made some unwise choices that have contributed to their current state.


However, the second part of each verse highlights the entrance of someone who turned things around for the singer. The person came when they were needed the most and pulled the singer out of their difficulties. They brought pleasure to their life, but also pain, possibly indicating that the relationship was both good and bad. Nonetheless, the singer seems to acknowledge their luck and thanks the person for what they have done. The final verse mentions the singer being up to their neck in whiskey, wine, and wishing for a different life, but they still recognize the importance of the person who turned things around for them.


Overall, the song seems to be a tribute to someone who was very important in the singer's life and without whom they may have been lost in their misery. It is a simple song, but the melancholic tune and the heartfelt lyrics give it an emotional impact that resonates with the listener.


Line by Line Meaning

Up to my neck in trouble
I am facing a lot of difficult situations that I don't know how to handle


Up to my neck in strife
I am deeply immersed in conflicts and struggles


Up to my neck in misery
I am suffering greatly and cannot find any respite


For most of my life I've been a fool
I've made a lot of bad decisions and regret many of my actions


And you know what a fool can do
You understand the mistakes I've made and my tendency toward self-destruction


You came around when I needed you
You appeared in my life just when I needed help the most


Now I'm up to my neck in you
You have become an integral part of my life and I depend on you completely


Up to my neck in pleasure
I am experiencing a lot of joy and fulfillment


Up to my neck in pain
I am suffering a lot and am in a great deal of emotional or physical pain


Up to my neck on a railroad track
I feel trapped and unable to escape my situation


Waitin' for the trains to come on through
I am just waiting for something to happen, whether it be good or bad


Oh, you knew my time was due
You recognized that I was in a vulnerable state and needed your help urgently


You came around and you pulled me through
You provided the assistance and guidance that allowed me to overcome my challenges


Up to my neck in whiskey
I have been drinking heavily and am probably intoxicated


Up to my neck in wine
I am indulging excessively in alcohol consumption


Up to my neck in wishing
I am desperate for a change and wishing for something better


That this life wasn't mine
I dislike my current situation and wish I had a different life


What can I do
I feel helpless and don't know how to improve my situation


You did what no one else would do
You provided help and support when nobody else could or would


Now I'm up to my neck in you
You have become a permanent fixture in my life and I owe a great deal to you




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Angus McKinnon Young, Malcolm Mitchell Young, Ronald Belford Scott

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Comments from YouTube:

@corvaliis

He somehow made this song sad. Just looking at the lyrics it's such a heartfelt song.

@MojoHandle

Every time I listen to Mark Kozelek I become quite melancholy.

@fellini2011

Agreed...this version also shows how talented Bon Scott's songwriting is! Both AC/DC and Kozelek each give it a singular sound.

@night1964prowler

Awesome spin to one of the best song's ever written. Bon Scott was a ONE OF A KIND if one ever existed ! I'm still upset that I didn't go to Towson Center in Maryland on October 18, 1979 to see UFO & AC/DC (BON SCOTT) played that night.....I DO HOWEVER HAVE THE AUDIO ! AC/DC AND BON SCOTT COULD NEVER BE REPLACED !

@thisriver

This version is certainly different to the original, it´s like taking the words and putting them to use in another spirit. It gives the same words a mature feel instead of a rebellious spin. Both are great and welcome in the soundtrack of life.

@modestlyneutral

This is just beautiful. Wow.

@aussiedutchukrainian

who said a cover has to sound like the original? This is beautiful, and I think AC/DC would be glad that people respect their music so much as to make a cover of it. This guy has talent, unlike Celine Dion covering You shook me all night long

@GeneBurnett

I think this is a beautiful rendition, truly amazing. Testimony that a strong song can be played in almost any style and still work. Personally, I don't enjoy slavish covers. If that's the case, I'd rather hear the original. But I always have a place in my heart for people who make a song their own, even if I don't like what they do. At least they gave it a shot.

@snitpicker

This is sooo great! Bon would've loved it! I'm so buying this! Well done, man!

@Yahoomediaclub

Love this material.

More Comments

More Versions