Gravity Fails
The Bottle Rockets Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Look at me, I'm Mr. Spaceman
Out of control again
Stumblin' over words again
And finished before I even begin

When gravity fails and I'm falling down
Glued to the ceiling, spinning around
Yeah, that's when I'm counting on you

Callin' you my better half
Was always good for a laugh
But it's not always such a laugh
When I think that you're not coming back

When gravity fails and I'm falling down
Glued to the ceiling, spinning around
Yeah, that's when I'm counting on you

I know I'm asking for too much
And I know I'm always saying stuff
And I mess up so much stuff and
Sticking with the fool is tough

But baby, I'm sayin', please, please, please
Down on my baby blue, blue jeans
Maybe it's something in my jeans
Maybe it's something in my genes

When gravity fails and I'm falling down
Glued to teh ceiling, spinning around
Yeah, that's when I'm counting on




That's when I'm counting on
Yeah, that's when I'm counting on you

Overall Meaning

The Bottle Rockets's song Gravity Fails is a poignant examination of the fragility of human relationships, and the importance of relying on loved ones during times of struggle. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who feels out of control, stumbling over his words and struggling to find his footing. He refers to himself as "Mr. Spaceman," suggesting a sense of dislocation and detachment from the world around him.


The chorus of the song, "When gravity fails and I'm falling down / Glued to the ceiling, spinning around / Yeah, that's when I'm counting on you," is a powerful reflection on the need we all have for love and support during difficult times. The image of being "glued to the ceiling" suggests a sense of disorientation and disconnection from reality. In these moments, the singer realizes that he cannot rely on himself alone, and turns to his partner for strength and stability.


The song also explores the ups and downs of relationships, acknowledging that even the strongest bonds can be tested by challenges and misunderstandings. The singer admits that he asks for too much, says the wrong things, and makes mistakes, but asks for forgiveness and loyalty from his loved one. The repeated plea of "Please, please, please" is a reminder of just how much he values the relationship, and how much he is willing to do to protect it.


Overall, Gravity Fails is a beautifully written and heartfelt song that explores the complexity and depth of human connection, and the importance of relying on each other during times of turmoil.


Line by Line Meaning

Look at me, I'm Mr. Spaceman
I feel like I'm lost in space, disconnected from everything.


Out of control again
I feel like I have lost control of my life.


Stumblin' over words again
I can't seem to express myself clearly or succinctly when I try to communicate.


And finished before I even begin
I feel like I've already failed before I've even started.


When gravity fails and I'm falling down
When everything seems to be going wrong and I'm losing my grip on things.


Glued to the ceiling, spinning around
I feel stuck and disoriented and unable to find a firm footing.


Yeah, that's when I'm counting on you
I need your support and guidance to get me through this difficult time.


Callin' you my better half
You are the most important and valuable person in my life.


Was always good for a laugh
I used to joke about it, but now I realize how true it really is.


But it's not always such a laugh
It's not funny anymore when I realize how much I need you.


When I think that you're not coming back
When I worry that I may lose you or that you may not be able to help me anymore.


I know I'm asking for too much
I know I'm being demanding and needy, but I can't help it.


And I know I'm always saying stuff
I realize that I talk too much and may not be listening enough.


And I mess up so much stuff and
I know I make a lot of mistakes and cause a lot of problems.


Sticking with the fool is tough
It's hard to be committed to someone who is struggling so much.


But baby, I'm sayin', please, please, please
I am begging you to stay with me and help me through this.


Down on my baby blue, blue jeans
I am humbling myself and showing my vulnerability to you.


Maybe it's something in my jeans
Maybe there's something inherently flawed or problematic about me.


Maybe it's something in my genes
Maybe there's something in my DNA that causes me to struggle in this way.


That's when I'm counting on
In those difficult moments, I am relying on


That's when I'm counting on
In those difficult moments, I am relying on


Yeah, that's when I'm counting on you
I am counting on your love, support, and guidance to help me through the challenges of life.




Contributed by Jackson A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions