James Cruikshank has recently been playing in Sydney with newly formed band, The Millionaires, which also includes Dave McCormack from Custard.
Down On Me
The Cruel Sea Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never seen it comin'
Hey I was blind, I was payin no mind
By that time i was down in
She knows me better than I know myself
She reads me like some book she took of the shelf
She was in my face
She was
Down on me
She let me know
She wouldn't let me go
She was
Down on me
Speakin' her mind, Speakin her mind
My pretty baby's speakin' her mind
Speakin' her mind, Speakin her mind
I like to hear her speakin' her mind
She picks the right time, to pick the hard line
She gets me every time, she shows me with a sign
She's my sunshine, She's my lifeline
She's always down on me
She's always down on me
She stands above me
'Cause she love's me
'Cause she love's me
She love's me
The Cruel Sea's song Down On Me is a tribute to a loving and challenging partner. The song's first stanza discusses how the singer was oblivious to his partner's feelings and was blindsided when she became emotional. Her intimate knowledge of his personality and mood is highlighted in the next line, with the metaphorical comparison of her reading him like a book. The chorus then expands on the theme, alluding that the partner is in his face and won't let him go, with 'down on me' meaning to closely observe and challenge someone. Despite this, the singer welcomes the honesty and enjoys listening to his partner share her mind.
The second stanza continues describing the levels of understanding and power possessed by the partner. Her timing in pushing him to improve and the subtle ways she communicates her feelings are admired by the singer, seen with her ability to get him with a sign. The final lines reiterate the affection and high regard the partner has for him, reminding that she stands above him as a protector and ally.
Many interpretations can be derived from this song's lyrics, depending on one's perspective. Some may view it as a celebration of a powerful and nurturing relationship, while others might find it oppressive and intimidating. Overall, it is an emotive and open exploration of the complexities of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Hit me right between the eyes
I was taken aback and shocked by something unexpected.
I never seen it comin'
I was completely caught off guard and unprepared.
Hey I was blind, I was payin no mind
I was ignorant and unaware of what was happening around me.
By that time i was down in
I was already in a difficult situation when I realized what was happening.
She knows me better than I know myself
The person knows me well and understands me deeply.
She reads me like some book she took of the shelf
The person knows everything about me and can anticipate my actions and thoughts.
She on my case
The person is persistently nagging or criticizing me.
She was in my face
The person was confronting me directly and aggressively.
She was
The person was
Down on me
The person was being critical and harsh towards me.
She let me know
The person communicated clearly to me.
She wouldn't let me go
The person was persistent in their communication and wouldn't give up on me.
She was
The person was
Down on me
The person was being critical and harsh towards me.
Speakin' her mind, Speakin her mind
The person was expressing themselves honestly and directly.
My pretty baby's speakin' her mind
The person is attractive and speaks their mind openly and honestly.
Speakin' her mind, Speakin her mind
The person was expressing themselves honestly and directly.
I like to hear her speakin' her mind
I appreciate when the person is open and honest with me.
She picks the right time, to pick the hard line
The person knows when to be tough and strict with me.
She gets me every time, she shows me with a sign
The person knows how to communicate with me effectively and persuasively.
She's my sunshine, She's my lifeline
The person brings light and hope into my life and is essential to my well-being.
She's always down on me
The person is critical and harsh towards me, but it comes from a place of love and concern.
She stands above me
The person is superior to me in some way, such as in knowledge or wisdom.
'Cause she love's me
The person cares deeply for me and their criticism comes from a place of love.
'Cause she love's me
The person cares deeply for me and their criticism comes from a place of love.
She love's me
The person cares deeply for me and their criticism comes from a place of love.
Contributed by Charlie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MmeDesgranges
Down into the deep ...