Over and Under
Egypt Central
Breaking Free: The Journey of Self-Liberation in 'Over and Under'
Egypt Central's song 'Over and Under' is a powerful anthem of self-liberation and personal growth. The lyrics convey a narrative of overcoming a toxic relationship where one partner has been subjugated and suppressed. The opening lines, 'I know you'll be there to see the tables turning,' suggest a moment of reckoning and transformation. The imagery of 'bridges burning' signifies the end of a connection that once seemed unbreakable, highlighting the finality and irreversibility of this change.
The chorus, 'I'm over me being under you, I'm breaking free I'm breaking through,' is a declaration of independence and self-empowerment. The repetition of 'I can see' and 'I can feel' emphasizes the clarity and emotional intensity of this newfound freedom. The protagonist no longer cares if the other person understands their perspective, indicating a shift in focus from external validation to internal fulfillment. This shift is further underscored by the lines, 'I've overcome all I'm underneath, I can finally stand, I can finally breathe,' which symbolize the protagonist's emergence from a state of oppression to one of autonomy and self-sufficiency.
The second verse reflects on the past, where the protagonist sacrificed their own passions and happiness to maintain the relationship. 'Remember when we first had the thought of living a perfect picture, but I did all the giving,' reveals the imbalance and one-sided effort that characterized their union. The realization that 'the joke is over, and I'll do all the laughing' marks a turning point where the protagonist reclaims their power and joy. This song resonates with anyone who has experienced the struggle of breaking free from a controlling or unfulfilling relationship, offering a message of hope and resilience.