Mickey "Guitar" Baker was a music instructor, and Sylvia Robinson was one of his pupils. His guitar stylings, especially the insane soloing on "Love Is Strange", inspired a plethora of guitarists, including Sterling Morrison of the Velvet Underground.
Mickey & Sylvia had a hit with "Love Is Strange" in 1957. They continued to record together until 1965. After that, Mickey had a successful career as a studio musician. Sylvia had a huge hit (#1 R&B, #3 Pop) in 1973 with the song "Pillow Talk", and later assisted in the formation of the Sugar Hill rap label.
"Love Is Strange" appeared on the soundtrack to Dirty Dancing.
Too Much Weight
Mickey & Sylvia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fear comes in a bag, and
Fear is a belt that was worn by your dad
And you outta know it, yeah
You should have known
What you were doing when we were alone
You should have known
What you were doing what I now own
Now hold the terror up
Up to my eye
Or shove it down my throat before I say goodbye
Give me every rose you've stolen
Give me back the will to sleep
Hi Mom!
I've been sewing, self-made stigmata
Closing my wounds, closing my wounds
I've been gnawing a tongue that is rotten
But I don't know whose, but I don't know whose
Well, who's asking the questions around here, anyways?
Who's asking me how I spend all my days?
Who's asking me who, and what I am?
Its surely not me, I just want to understand.
I just want to understand
Please, just help me understand
Drill into my skull
Pull out the world
Drill into my skull
Get a mouthful
My bitter soul will not be yours to take
I told you:
"Too much rope, too much dope"
All I could say:
"Too much rope, too much dope"
The lyrics of Mickey & Sylvia's song "Too Much Weight" delve into the theme of fear and its overpowering presence in one's life. The opening lines suggest that fear provides a sense of security, like a bag or a belt. However, the mention of the belt being worn by the singer's dad adds a personal touch, implying that fear is inherited or learned behavior. The repetition of the phrase "you outta know it" and "you should have known" suggests a sense of warning or missed opportunity. The mention of being alone with someone implies that there may have been a betrayal or negative experience in that situation.
The lyrics then take a shift, with the introduction of the line "Now hold the terror up, up to my eye." This line suggests that the singer is willing to confront fear head-on or face the consequences. The request for stolen roses and the will to sleep can be interpreted as a desire for the return of peace, harmony, and a sense of control.
The second verse begins with the greeting "Hi Mom!" which could be seen as a sarcastic remark, an attempt to lighten the mood, or a representation of reaching out for support and understanding. The following lines mention self-inflicted wounds, both physical and metaphorical. This could be seen as a coping mechanism or a way of dealing with pain. The mention of not knowing whose tongue is being gnawed could symbolize a sense of confusion, possibly caused by external influences or internal struggles.
The following lines question who is asking the singer about their life, identity, and purpose. It suggests a lack of self-awareness or understanding of oneself. The plea for help in understanding indicates a desire for clarity, guidance, and empathy.
The final lines of the song express a desire to escape or remove the burden of the soul being consumed by bitterness. The repetition of the phrase "Too much rope, too much dope" could be seen as a mantra for being overwhelmed or trapped by negative emotions or experiences.
Overall, the song portrays a struggle with fear, self-identity, and a longing for understanding and release from emotional burdens.
Line by Line Meaning
Now, fear feels safe, and
Fear has become a comforting and familiar emotion
Fear comes in a bag, and
Fear is packaged and ready to be carried around
Fear is a belt that was worn by your dad
Fear has been passed down through generations, inherited from your father
And you outta know it, yeah
You should have been aware of this fact
You should have known
You should have been informed
What you were doing when we were alone
The actions you were taking when we were together privately
And you outta know it, yeah
You should have been aware of this fact
You should have known
You should have been informed
What you were doing what I now own
The consequences of your actions that I am now dealing with
Now hold the terror up
Now face your fears directly
Up to my eye
Confront them head-on
Or shove it down my throat before I say goodbye
Or force me to confront them even if it's unpleasant
Give me every rose you've stolen
Give back all the affection and love that you have taken from me
Give me back the will to sleep
Restore my ability to find peace and rest
Hi Mom!
Greetings to my mother
I've been sewing, self-made stigmata
I have been inflicting emotional pain upon myself
Closing my wounds, closing my wounds
Trying to heal my emotional scars
I've been gnawing a tongue that is rotten
I have been dwelling on negative thoughts or secrets
But I don't know whose, but I don't know whose
But I am unsure whose secrets or thoughts they belong to
Well, who's asking the questions around here, anyways?
Who is inquiring about the matters at hand?
Who's asking me how I spend all my days?
Who is questioning my daily activities?
Who's asking me who, and what I am?
Who is inquiring about my identity and self?
Its surely not me, I just want to understand.
It certainly isn't me, I simply desire comprehension
I just want to understand
I only seek to grasp the meaning
Please, just help me understand
Kindly assist me in comprehending
Drill into my skull
Probe deep into my thoughts and consciousness
Pull out the world
Extract all the complexities and burdens of life
Drill into my skull
Probe deep into my thoughts and consciousness
Get a mouthful
Fully experience and understand everything
My bitter soul will not be yours to take
You will not have power over my resentful spirit
I told you:
I already warned you
"Too much rope, too much dope"
"You are indulging too much in destructive behaviors"
All I could say:
That's all I could express
"Too much rope, too much dope"
"You are indulging too much in destructive behaviors"
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Sylvia Haynes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind