Over My Head
Ray Davies Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wakin' up, feeling rough
Totally stressed
Every day it's a dead time
Step by step

Hit a wall, took a fall
To a new depth
Count to ten, focusin'
Take a deep breath

In a world that is close to breakin'
I thought that you were my friend
In a world that is full of hatin'
And I'm about to descend
I just smile and pretend

I'm a million miles away from it all
And let it go right over my head
Let 'em chase and the winner take all
And let it go right over my head

Over my head, yeah
Over my head, ooh
Over my head

Everywhere, everyone
Questioning me
Are you ill? Are you well?
Do you like being free?

Didn't know you were close to breaking
So you thought it should end
Left it all for a new location
So you could start up again
So keep smilin' till then

Right now, I want some peace of mind
So let it go right over my head
Just want to give myself a little more time
And every single word that you said

Went over my head, yeah
Over my head, ooh
Over my head

Little girl, I was so mistaken
Thought that you were my friend
In a world that is full of hatin'
I'm about to descend

Didn't know you were close to breakin'
So you thought it should end
Left it all for a new location
So you could start up again
So keep smilin' till then

I'm a million miles away from it all
And let it go right over my head
Let 'em chase and the winner take all
And let it go right over my head

Right now, I want some peace of mind
So let it go right over my head
Just want to give myself a little more time
And every single word that you said

Went over my head, yeah
Over my head, ooh
Over my head

Close the door, let me please
Get to my bed
I wanna take stock, see my life
In perspective

Tomorrow, I'll be back in the race, till then
Live and let live
So let all the anger pass me by

Over my head, ooh




Over my head, ooh
Over my head

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Over My Head" by Ray Davies touch upon feeling overwhelmed and stressed, creating a sense of escapism by describing the desire to distance himself from the situation. The song revolves around the pressure of daily life, where one has to make important decisions and constantly face criticism and judgment from others. The opening lyrics paint a vivid picture of the stress felt by the singer, as he wakes up feeling rough while every day seems like a dead time. The lyrics suggest that the singer has reached his breaking point.


The second verse talks about how everyone questions the singer in his life, making him feel like he's under a microscope. The singer thought he had someone on whom he could rely, but even they left him without warning. They didn't understand what he was going through and thought it was better to start anew.


In the chorus, Ray Davies repeatedly sings, "let it go right over my head." He seems to be saying that he wants to detach himself from the situation and gain some much-needed perspective. The song represents a call to let go of stresses and issues that are out of your control and focus on yourself.


Overall, "Over My Head" is a song that reflects on themes that are common to people from all walks of life - coping with stress, dealing with criticism, and taking time out to gain perspective.


Line by Line Meaning

Wakin' up, feeling rough
Starting the day feeling physically and emotionally unwell


Totally stressed
Feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and pressure


Every day it's a dead time
Feeling unproductive and that nothing meaningful is accomplished


Step by step
Taking things one task at a time


Hit a wall, took a fall
Encountered an obstacle and faced a setback


To a new depth
Experienced a new level of difficulty or despair


Count to ten, focusin'
Taking a moment to calm down and clear the mind


Take a deep breath
Inhaling deeply to calm the body and mind


In a world that is close to breakin'
In a society that is on the verge of collapse


I thought that you were my friend
Believed that someone was a true ally


In a world that is full of hatin'
In a society that is marked by intolerance and hostility


And I'm about to descend
Feeling like things are getting worse and spiraling out of control


I just smile and pretend
Putting on a facade of happiness and hiding true feelings


I'm a million miles away from it all
Feeling distant and detached from the problems of the world


And let it go right over my head
Choosing to ignore or not engage with negative or stressful situations


Let 'em chase and the winner take all
Allowing others to compete and come out on top without getting involved oneself


Everywhere, everyone
Feeling like everyone and everything is asking something of oneself


Questioning me
Asking about one's well-being, state of mind, or personal life


Are you ill? Are you well?
Asking about one's physical and emotional state


Do you like being free?
Asking about one's thoughts on personal freedom and autonomy


Didn't know you were close to breaking
Not realizing that someone was struggling and about to reach a breaking point


So you thought it should end
Believing that a situation or relationship was beyond repair


Left it all for a new location
Starting fresh in a new environment or situation


So you could start up again
Trying to establish new routines, goals, or habits


Right now, I want some peace of mind
Currently seeking mental calm and clarity


Just want to give myself a little more time
Trying to adjust and adapt before rushing into anything new


Went over my head
Did not register or affect oneself


Close the door, let me please
Asking for privacy and solitude


Get to my bed
Retreating to a comfortable, familiar space


I wanna take stock, see my life
Reflecting on one's personal accomplishments, mistakes, and goals


In perspective
Gaining a more accurate and balanced view of one's life and values


Tomorrow, I'll be back in the race, till then
Planning to resume normal routines and responsibilities the next day


Live and let live
Not interfering with others and allowing them to live their own lives


So let all the anger pass me by
Choosing not to engage with or be affected by negative emotions




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: IVOR ARTHUR DAVIES, ROBERT GRANT KRETSCHMER, SIMON LLOYD, ANDY QUNTA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Victor Spoils

It cannot be overstated what a skilled songster he is. so many years developing his mastery, but from the start his unique qualities have pushed the boundaries of popular music and lyricism. Sometimes he suckers you into thinking it is a simple tune but the amount of talent he packs into it is intense. He is a frickin genius.

Eric Writes

The riff is great, but how he lets the music fill the space between these spare lyrics, making them all the more powerful.

Nolan Pierce

Incredible song ,by an incredible storyteller!

John Maloney

Is it me or is he not the greatest songwriter ever and performed here with such passion?

Capt. Jack

This is a terrific tune!
πŸ‘½πŸ‘½πŸ‘½πŸ‘½

paul rawes

Stunning composition!

pretorious700

This album got me through a tough time.

johnnybsteelriff

Wonderful song from the greatest songwriter on the planet.....

stephen gilpin

monster chorus. awesome song writer. love him i do

Robert Leach

Genius song crafter.

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