Upside Down
Tom Jones (and Friends) Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sometimes I feel just like I'm flying
Up in the clouds
Nobody can reach me now
But most days it feels like I am drowning
I'm overwhelmed
What if I am never found?
These elevation changes
They're killing me
It's getting hard to breathe
Who am I now?
I get turned around
My world feels so upside down
Oh, the highs and lows
Are all I know
Oh, I ebb and flow
But does it show?
Who am I now?
Sometimes I don't want to know better
I know too much
To still feel so out of touch
And most days I just want to feel better
The truth can wait
You know my heart can't take it
These elevation changes
They're killing me
My mind can't take this disease
Who am I now?
I get turned around
My world feels so upside down
Oh, the highs and lows
Are all I know
Oh, I ebb and flow
But does it show?
Who am I now?
Oh, the highs and lows
Are all I know
Oh, I ebb and flow




But does it show?
Who am I now?

Overall Meaning

The song "Upside Down" by Tom Jones (and Friends) explores the conflicting emotions and experiences of the singer. The lyrics depict a sense of duality and confusion, with moments of elation and moments of despair. The opening lines capture the feeling of flying and being untouchable, as if nothing can bring the singer down. However, this is quickly contrasted with feelings of drowning and being overwhelmed. The singer questions whether they will ever be found or understood amidst these drastic emotional changes.


The mention of "elevation changes" suggests that the singer's mood constantly fluctuates, causing them great distress. Breathing becomes difficult, indicating the heavy weight these emotional shifts place on their mental well-being. The ongoing questioning of one's identity signifies a sense of lost self, as if the constant ups and downs have left the singer unsure of who they truly are.


The desire to feel better and escape the overwhelming truth is expressed, highlighting the singer's longing for some respite from their inner turmoil. Yet, they acknowledge that their heart cannot handle the brutal reality they might have to face. This internal struggle between seeking solace and avoiding painful truths becomes a recurring theme in the song.


Overall, "Upside Down" delves into the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by the singer, their confusion about their own identity, and the constant battle between happiness and despair.


Line by Line Meaning

Sometimes I feel just like I'm flying
Occasionally, I experience a sense of freedom and exhilaration


Up in the clouds
In a state of blissful detachment from reality


Nobody can reach me now
I isolate myself and feel unreachable by others


But most days it feels like I am drowning
On most days, I feel overwhelmed and suffocated


I'm overwhelmed
I am engulfed by stress and emotions


What if I am never found?
I fear the possibility of being lost or forgotten


These elevation changes
The constant ups and downs in life


They're killing me
They are causing immense emotional pain and distress


It's getting hard to breathe
The intensity of my struggles is making it difficult to cope


Who am I now?
I question my identity and sense of self


I get turned around
I often lose my way or become disoriented


My world feels so upside down
My life feels chaotic and disordered


Oh, the highs and lows
The extreme moments of happiness and sadness


Are all I know
These contrasting emotions dominate my existence


Oh, I ebb and flow
I experience fluctuations and changes in my emotions


But does it show?
I wonder if others can perceive my internal struggles


Sometimes I don't want to know better
There are times when ignorance seems preferable


I know too much
I possess knowledge that burdens me


To still feel so out of touch
Despite my understanding, I still feel disconnected


And most days I just want to feel better
On most days, all I desire is to find solace and relief


The truth can wait
I prioritize avoiding painful realities


You know my heart can't take it
My emotional state is fragile and vulnerable


My mind can't take this disease
My mind is unable to endure this affliction


Oh, the highs and lows
The extreme moments of happiness and sadness


Are all I know
These contrasting emotions dominate my existence


Oh, I ebb and flow
I experience fluctuations and changes in my emotions


But does it show?
I wonder if others can perceive my internal struggles


Who am I now?
I question my identity and sense of self




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Madison England, Preston Collins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

louise roman

Two of the greatest white soul singers doin' there thing. Always a pleasure to see and hear Tom and Dusty doing a duet. Their voices blended so well together and their physical chemistry on stage could never be denied. The two of them are electric together. Fun to watch their duets over the years.

ellen thayer

...both are gorgeous and have soul, rhythm and charisma in their bones...they always had fun duoing through the years❤❤❤

deeperthancrying

Am I the only one who likes this? I think it's really fun. Dusty Springfield, what a performer!

Sean Kash

Dusty Springfield ....one of a kind!! ...gift to the world! xoxox

Nellie K. Adaba

Great combo. I love both of them!

Eloísa García

My ears and soul have a huge crush on Dusty
It seems like I'm one of the few people who enjoyed her performance, it wasn't perfect, the ending was like nails on a chalkboard, but I loved her single bits

Theresa Canning

Dusty and Tom...........I grew up listening to this music......still love it

orvgg

Campiest duet ever. I love Dusty.

J De

Dusty was such a HUGE fan of the Motown Sound ... in no small part, she helped usher in the "Motown Invasion" the U.K. experienced around the same time that the U.S. was going ga-ga over the Beatles.

lalagonegaga

Wtf happened here? If someone had told me that I will ever see a performance by Dusty that was less than perfect, I wouldn't have believed them. Yet here we are...

More Comments

More Versions