Sexsmith started his first band at 14. After moving to Toronto he formed the Uncool and released his cassette Out of the Duff, and a year later, There's a Way. Meanwhile, he worked as a courier, and released Grand Opera Lane in 1991. On the strength of this album he earned a contract which led to the self-titled album Ron Sexsmith of 1995. Between 1997 and 2001, Sexsmith released three more albums before the acclaimed Cobblestone Runway in 2002.
Over My Head
Ron Sexsmith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And then again, you can be cold as ice
I'm over my head (over my head)
Oh, but it sure feels nice
You can take me anytime you like
I'll be around if you think you might
Love me, baby (over my head)
Your mood is like a circus wheel
You're changing all the time
Sometimes I can't help but feel
That I'm wasting all of my time
(Over my head)
Your mood is like a circus wheel
You're changing all the time
Sometimes I can't help but feel
That I'm wasting all of my time
I think I'm looking on the dark side
But everyday you hurt my pride
I'm over my head (over my head)
Oh, but it sure feels nice
I'm over my head (over my head)
It sure feels nice
I'm over my head (over my head)
But it sure feels nice
The lyrics to Ron Sexsmith's song "Over My Head" describe the singer's complicated relationship with someone who is unpredictable and moody. They acknowledge that they are "over their head" in this situation - emotionally invested in someone who can be both incredibly loving and distant and cold. Despite this, the singer can't help but enjoy the highs of the relationship, even though they know the lows can be painful and confusing.
The use of the metaphor of a "circus wheel" to describe the other person's mood is particularly effective - it conveys the idea that this person is always moving, always changing, and the singer can't predict what will happen from one moment to the next. This uncertainty is also reflected in the repetition of the phrase "over my head" - the singer is in deep, but they can't quite figure out what's going on or how to handle it.
Overall, the lyrics to "Over My Head" are a poignant exploration of the ups and downs of romantic relationships - the feelings of exhilaration and joy that can coexist with confusion and heartache. Sexsmith's gentle vocal delivery and simple instrumentation only serve to underscore the emotional complexity of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
You can take me to paradise
You have the power to completely change my world for the better.
And then again, you can be cold as ice
But you can also be the source of great pain and rejection.
I'm over my head (over my head)
I may be in too deep, but I can't help how I feel about you.
Oh, but it sure feels nice
My emotions may be overwhelming, but they also bring me pleasure and happiness.
You can take me anytime you like
I am always available to you, whenever you need me.
I'll be around if you think you might
I am willing to wait for you and keep hoping that you will eventually choose me.
Love me, baby (over my head)
All I want is for you to love me back, even if it means getting in too deep.
And hold me tight
I crave your physical and emotional intimacy, and the sense of security it brings.
Your mood is like a circus wheel
Your emotions and persona are always changing, and it's hard to keep up with you.
Sometimes I can't help but feel
I often feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to handle you and your behavior.
That I'm wasting all of my time
I fear that my devotion to you is futile and unrequited, and that I am missing out on other opportunities.
I think I'm looking on the dark side
I may be pessimistic and negative because of my unreciprocated feelings for you.
But everyday you hurt my pride
You often reject and dismiss me, which hurts my self-esteem and confidence.
Contributed by Caleb M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.