According to Merge, at their initial studio session the two “were immediately struck by one another’s talents and found an instant rapport". During a conversation about their shared love of old records, Zooey let slip that she wrote her own songs, which she recorded alone at home on her computer. Somewhat shy about sharing these musical morsels, she was eventually persuaded to send them to M. Ward. He was instantly impressed, and they soon reconvened at his studio in Portland to begin work. Recorded over a period of several months, between acting work (She) and touring commitments (Him), the pair found time to bring Zooey’s fledgling songs to gorgeous fruition
Over It Over Again
She & Him Lyrics
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Let you know what love is like
When I'm keeping all my cards up on the shelf
Where you can't see them
Why do I always want to keep it to myself?
Taking advantage only works when
You're leaving someone else out in the dark
(i didn't mean to)
Running away from you (is just like)
Running a business (and I'm)
Keeping up with the games you play, every day
I've gotten over it, over and over again
I've gotten over it, over and over again
I've gotten sick of it, a lick of it will suck me back in
I've gotten over it, over and over again
The lyrics to She & Him's song "Over It Over Again" reflect on the complicated and often confusing emotions that come with love and relationships. The singer is torn between wanting to share everything with their partner, and feeling the need to keep some aspects of themselves hidden. They express frustration at the games and power dynamics that can emerge in relationships, but also acknowledge that they keep getting pulled back in despite trying to move on.
The opening line, "Why do I always want to sock it to you hard," is a somewhat violent metaphor for the intense emotions that the singer is feeling towards their partner. They want to give them everything, but are afraid of being hurt or vulnerable in the process. Keeping their cards on the shelf is a way of protecting themselves, but it also denies their partner the chance to truly know them. The line "Taking advantage only works when you're leaving someone else out in the dark" suggests that the singer is aware of the power dynamics at play in their relationship, and may feel like they're being taken advantage of in some way.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I've gotten over it, over and over again," which implies that the singer has been hurt before and has tried to move on, but keeps finding themselves drawn back into the same patterns. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the way that past traumas and insecurities can impact our ability to form healthy relationships.
Overall, "Over It Over Again" is a raw and honest exploration of the complexities of love and relationships, and the emotions that come with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do I always want to sock it you hard
Why do I always have the urge to be tough on you?
Let you know what love is like
To make you understand the concept of true love
When I'm keeping all my cards up on the shelf
Despite keeping my emotions hidden away
Where you can't see them
So that you don't explore them
Why do I always want to keep it to myself?
What's the point of expressing my feelings when I rather hold them back?
Taking advantage only works when
Manipulation can only be successful if
You're leaving someone else out in the dark
A third party is kept in the unknown
(i didn't mean to)
(I didn't intend for it to happen)
Running away from you (is just like)
Avoiding you is equivalent to
Running a business (and I'm)
Managing a company (where)
Keeping up with the games you play, every day
Dealing with your constant games that you play
I've gotten over it, over and over again
I've moved on from this, repeatedly
I've gotten sick of it, a lick of it will suck me back in
But every now and then, it's easy to fall back into old habits
I've gotten over it, over and over again
I've moved on from this, repeatedly
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ZOOEY DESCHANEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind