Ray Edward Cochran was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota; however, as his parents were from Oklahoma, he considered himself an Oklahoman, and introduced himself as such in interviews. He took music lessons in school, but eventually quit the band to play drums. Rather than take piano lessons, Cochran began learning guitar, playing the country music he heard on the radio. As time went on, Cochran moved to Los Angeles, California in 1953. Together with Hank Cochran, Eddie formed The Cochran Brothers, though the two shared no relation.
Around the same time, Cochran worked as a session musician, but aspired to be a songwriter and artist in his own right, and recorded a demo with songwriting partner and future manager, Jerry Capeheart. Cochran's first notable foray into the public eye was as one of the many performing artists featured in the musical comedy film The Girl Can't Help It starring Jayne Mansfield, eventually resulting in a recording contract with Liberty. He would follow up on this appearance by appearing in several films of the same genre. He also performed as a support act for such stars as Gene Vincent and Little Richard, who were among Cochran's co-stars in the aforementioned film.
For his recordings, Cochran often used experimental techniques that would later become part and parcel for other recording artists, notably recording numerous overdubs in order to create the rich, distinctive guitar sound for "Summertime Blues" and "C'mon Everybody". "Twenty Flight Rock", the song Cochran performed in The Girl Can't Help It, was the very first song a young Paul McCartney played for John Lennon as his audition for Lennon's group, The Quarrymen, which would later metamorphose into The Beatles.
Cochran was killed in an automobile accident in Chippenham, Wiltshire, England during a tour of Britain with Gene Vincent. Vincent and Cochran's fiancee, who were both in the car, survived the crash. Scholars have noted that, somewhat eerily, Cochran's last single release in his lifetime was "Three Steps to Heaven", although the song's lyrical context has nothing to do with death. Cochran's death occurred little over a year after the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, to whom he paid tribute in his recording of the song "Three Stars", which remained unreleased until 1966.
A majority of Cochran's recorded legacy would be released posthumously; in his lifetime, only one album, Singin' to My Baby (1957), was ever released. Perhaps owing to the brevity of his career, Cochran never attained the same star status as other rockers of the era; however, his lyrical themes of teenage desires and rebellion, being somewhat more morose and raucous than his contemporaries, had a profound influence on many of the greatest artists of the '60s and '70s, such as The Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones.
Nervous Breakdown
Eddie Cochran Lyrics
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A mental shakedown
See my hands, how they shiver
Whoo, see my knees, how they quiver
My whole body's in a jitter
I'm a-havin' a nervous breakdown
Well, I went to see my doctor just the other day
And I've got to tell you what the man had to say
Well, he said, "hey, boy, you just gotta slow down
You can't keep a-traipsin' all over town
After givin' you a physical check
I've come to the conclusion you're a total wreck"
I'm a-havin' a nervous breakdown
A mental shakedown
See my hands, how they shiver
Whoo, see my knees, how they quiver
My whole body's in a jitter
I'm a-havin' a nervous breakdown
I've made up my mind, I'd better change my ways
My shattered nerves have seen better days
Well, there's no more girls for a week or two
No more runnin' 'round with the usual crew
No more movies or stayin' out late
My baby have to find herself another date
I'm a-havin' a nervous breakdown
Mmm, a mental shakedown
See my hands, how they shiver
Hoo-wee, see my knees, how they quiver
My whole body's in a jitter
I'm a-havin' a nervous breakdown
In the song "Nervous Breakdown," Eddie Cochran is very clearly experiencing symptoms of extreme anxiety and stress. He describes his hands and knees shaking and his entire body jittering, which are all physical signs of anxiety. He attributes his condition to his fast-paced lifestyle, and the constant running around that he's been doing of late. He even admits that he's got to change his ways, and that he'll give up all his pleasures - girls, movies, staying out late - just to get better. He's clearly at a breaking point and needs to slow down fast.
The lyrics of the song make it very clear that Eddie Cochran was experiencing a very real and severe form of anxiety, which is often referred to as a nervous breakdown. This type of breakdown is characterized by extreme exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and a sense of helplessness. In the song, he refers to all of these symptoms, and the fact that he is unable to control his own body and its reaction to stress.
While many listeners may simply enjoy "Nervous Breakdown" as a catchy, fun rock song, it can also be interpreted as an insightful commentary on the dangers of living a fast-paced lifestyle and not taking time to take care of oneself. In our current society, where stress and anxiety are constant and often encouraged, Cochran's words serve as a reminder of the importance of self-care, and the need to take a break when we need one.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a-havin' a nervous breakdown
I'm going through a period of extreme mental distress and instability.
A mental shakedown
I'm experiencing a sudden and violent disturbance in my mental and emotional state.
See my hands, how they shiver
I'm trembling uncontrollably and my hands are visibly shaking.
Whoo, see my knees, how they quiver
My knees are shaking and unsteady, reflecting the physical manifestation of my emotional state.
My whole body's in a jitter
My entire body is shaking and quivering involuntarily as a result of my nervous breakdown.
Well, I went to see my doctor just the other day
Recently, I went to consult with my doctor.
And I've got to tell you what the man had to say
I want to share with you the advice or information I received from my doctor.
Well, he said, "hey, boy, you just gotta slow down
The doctor advised me to reduce the frenetic pace of my life.
You can't keep a-traipsin' all over town
According to the doctor, my constant activity and movement is detrimental to my mental health.
After givin' you a physical check
The doctor conducted a medical examination on me.
I've come to the conclusion you're a total wreck"
The doctor concluded that my physical and mental state is severely damaged and my health is at risk.
I've made up my mind, I'd better change my ways
I have decided to alter my lifestyle and behavior for the betterment of my mental and physical health.
My shattered nerves have seen better days
My nerves are severely damaged and need time to recover.
Well, there's no more girls for a week or two
I have resolved to refrain from being in the company of girls or engaging in romantic activities for a period of time.
No more runnin' 'round with the usual crew
I have decided to distance myself from my regular social circle to reduce stress and anxiety.
No more movies or stayin' out late
I am going to avoid staying out late and going to movies for the time being to promote physical and mental rest.
My baby have to find herself another date
My romantic partner will have to seek companionship elsewhere while I focus on my health and wellbeing.
Mmm, a mental shakedown
My mental state is experiencing profound turbulence and upheaval.
Hoo-wee, see my knees, how they quiver
My knees are shaking uncontrollably due to the intense emotional and mental distress I am experiencing.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARIO ROCCUZZO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind