The band's namesake and place of origin is the Cincinnati, Ohio neighborhood Over-the-Rhine. Karin attended school in Barnesville, Ohio and graduated from Barnesville High School in 1984. She then went to Malone College, located in Canton, Ohio, where she met Linford. Karin and Linford were married in the fall of 1996 in Cincinnati and several years ago relocated to a pre-civil war farm outside of town.
Over the Rhine is now primarily Bergquist (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano) and Detweiler (keyboards, electric bass, vocals) accompanied by complementary musicians on albums and tours. Over the years, they have toured and recorded in many variations. They have shared the stage with a number of fine musicians, including Bob Dylan, John Prine, Adrian Belew, Squeeze, Ani DiFranco, My Morning Jacket, Hem, and toured as "adjunct" members of Cowboy Junkies.
Over the Rhine's new album, _The Long Surrender_ was released nationally on 1/1/11. It recorded on California with Grammy winning producer, Joe Henry and contains a duet with Lucinda Williams on "Undamned" and two songs co-written with Joe Henry.
Grey Monologue
Over the Rhine Lyrics
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My third story bedroom window
Overlooking this rain-drenched night
You breathe and I recall the power of trains
Let's let the night seep in
Let's pray that it engulfs us
You know
I can't even begin to see your eyes
It will be from drinking every drop of your soul
And running till I sweat your spirit
The opening lines of Grey Monologue by Over the Rhine create a melancholic setting as the singer describes their bedroom window on a rain-drenched night - their closest connection to the ocean. As they breathe in the same space as their lover, they think back to the power of trains, perhaps a metaphor for the trajectory of life and love. The lines "Let's let the night seep in / Let's pray that it engulfs us" convey a desire to lose themselves in the moment and each other, to become entwined in the darkness of the night.
The verse takes an intense turn with the lines "I can't even begin to see your eyes / But if I'm even really drunk / It will be from drinking every drop of your soul / And running till I sweat your spirit". Here, the singer seems to be fully immersed in their lover, determined to connect with them on a deeper level. The inability to see the other person's eyes highlights the intensity of the situation, suggesting that they are losing themselves in pure feeling and emotion. The metaphor of drinking and running conveys a sense of desperation, as if the singer is trying to consume every aspect of their lover to become one with them.
Line by Line Meaning
This is as close as you and I ever get to the ocean
We are not physically close to the ocean, but emotionally close to each other.
My third story bedroom window
I am looking out of my bedroom window, which is on the third floor of the building.
Overlooking this rain-drenched night
I am observing the night which is wet with rain.
You breathe and I recall the power of trains
Your breath reminds me of the power of trains and their ability to move forward.
Let's let the night seep in
We should allow the night to engulf and affect us deeply.
Let's pray that it engulfs us
We hope that the night overtakes us and we become one with it.
You know
I am acknowledging that you understand what I am trying to say.
I can't even begin to see your eyes
I am unable to see your eyes clearly, perhaps due to the darkness or distance.
But if I'm even really drunk
Even if I appear to be intoxicated, it will not be from alcohol but from my intense love for you.
It will be from drinking every drop of your soul
My drunken state will be a result of taking in every bit of your essence and being.
And running till I sweat your spirit
I will pursue you relentlessly until your spirit becomes a part of mine through our connection.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LINFORD JEROME DETWEILER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind