Featured in HBO's acclaimed "John From Cincinnati" Soundtrack
Track 14. "Over, Under, Sideways, Down" - The Yardbirds - Episode 104: Closing credits
over under sideways down
The Yardbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey
Hey
Hey
Cars and girls are easy come by in this day and age
Laughing, joking, drinking, smoking, 'til I've spent my wage
When I was young, people spoke of immorality
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) backwards, forwards, square, and round
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) backwards, forwards, square, and round
When will it end? (When will it end?)
When will it end? (When will it end?)
Hey
Hey
Hey
Hey
I find comment 'bout my looks irrelativity
Think I'll go and have some fun 'cause it's all for free
I'm not searching for a reason to enjoy myself
Seems it's better done than argued with somebody else
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) backwards, forwards, square, and round
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) backwards, forwards, square, and round
When will it end? (When will it end?)
When will it end? (When will it end?)
Hey
Hey
Hey
Hey
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) backwards, forwards, square, and round
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) backwards, forwards, square, and round
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) backwards, forwards, square, and round
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) backwards, forwards, square, and round
Hey
Hey
Hey
Hey
Hey
The Yardbirds' song "Over Under Sideways Down" portrays the free-spirited attitude of the 1960s generation. The lyrics talk about the ease of obtaining material possessions and engaging in pleasurable activities like smoking weed, without regard for societal norms. The singer of the song seeks to enjoy himself rather than engage in a moralistic argument.
The chorus, "Over, under, sideways, down," doesn't have a clear meaning but serves as a rhythmic device, as does the repetition of "Hey!" The line "I bounce a ball that's square and round" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the paradoxical nature of the singer's life, where things are both straightforward and complex at the same time.
The line "I find comments 'bout my looks irrelativity" suggests that the singer is not concerned about societal beauty standards, further emphasizing his unconventional lifestyle.
In summary, "Over Under Sideways Down" is a song about living life on one's own terms, ignoring societal norms, and enjoying oneself freely without any restrictions or guilt.
Line by Line Meaning
Cars and girls are easy come by in this day and age.
It's effortless to find material possessions and romantic partners nowadays.
Laughing, joking, dreams, weed smoking, till I've spent my wage.
I find pleasure in simple things like humor, imagination, and marijuana, even at the expense of my earnings.
When I was young, people spoke of immorality.
In the past, there was much condemnation of prohibited behavior.
All the things they said were wrong are what I want to be.
The actions that were once demonized are now appealing and desirable to me.
I find comments 'bout my looks irrelativity.
I disregard critiques about my physical appearance.
Think I'll go and have some fun, 'cause it's all for free.
I intend to engage in enjoyable activities because they require no financial cost.
I'm not searchin' for a reason to enjoy myself.
I have no need to justify my pursuit of happiness.
Seems it's better done than argue with somebody else.
It's more worthwhile to enjoy myself than to engage in disagreements with others.
Over, under, sideways, down, I bounce a ball that's square and round.
I engage in random, nonsensical behavior because it's amusing to me.
When will it end? (When will it end?)
I wonder when my carefree lifestyle will come to a close.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jeff Beck, Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty, Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Ambarian
RIP Jeff Beck! What a player, one of a kind 💔
@patgalvez4563
this is one of my favorite 60's songs
@seanmeisner3190
My favorite of the three Yardbirds alumni. I like Page and Clapton, but Jeff's my number one of them.
@garyhanson9320
One could kinda figure out what Jeff was doing with that left hand. It was that right one that will have me baffled forever
@beestingza
@@garyhanson9320 The man was a genius guitarist
@johniorio7951
Lets face it...would you really remember this tune except for that eastern riff that beck plays??...reminds me of marakesh express....way ahead of his time.....
@DD-du7nm
This is far more than a Psychedelic Relic. Jeff was light years beyond.
@michaelferreri1256
In 1968 I was 11 years old and needless to say, money was hard to come by. But I save my nickels and dimes until I was able to buy this extraordinary single. Nothing else on the radio sounded like "Over, Under, Sideways, Down". I just had to have it. I have since discovered much more of the Yardbirds. But this is where it started for me.
@misterman9796
God bless. Discovered this vinyl as a child at the library. Good tunes never die.
@DustinShumaker-ws1eg
Great share!