Born
Over the Rhine Lyrics

The chorus of Over the Rhine's song "Born" expresses the singers' fundamental beliefs: they were born to laugh and they were born to love. Despite any tears and fears they may have experienced, they have learned to laugh and they plan to love without fear. The chorus constitutes both a statement about self-discovery and an assertion of self-confidence. It might also suggest that laughter and love are closely related and mutually reinforcing.

The first verse implies that the singer went through an experience in which laughing was not easy, and tears seemed to predominate. However, they eventually learned to laugh even when things hurt. The second verse portrays an intense conversation between the singer and another person. The singer hopes that the conversation will lead to a deeper understanding of both themselves and the other person. They’re open for whatever the conversation may bring, including intuition and even the surreal feeling of deja-vu. The singer is not afraid of anything the other person may have to bring up. The conversational atmosphere is peaceful and reassuring.

In the bridge, the singer reflects on the depth of their bond with the person they are conversing with. They're willing to listen and support the other person for as long as they're needed. Even if the conversation takes a turn and brings up fears, they're trusting that it is for the best. The mention of the "supernatural" may be a reference to religious beliefs, or to the power of the inexplicable that can transform a conversation. In the final lines, the singer alludes to the idea of balance. The song does not suggest laughing without ever acknowledging pain, or loving without caution. Instead, it reinforces the idea that these positive qualities can be powerful tools for approaching the world with resilience and openness to great transformations.