Up To My Neck In You
Mark Kozelek Lyrics
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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
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
@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.