Over And Over

Neil Young's song 'Over And Over' delves into the cyclical nature of love and the enduring emotions that accompany it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that persists through time, despite the inevitable challenges and changes that life brings. The recurring phrase 'Over and over again' emphasizes the repetitive and enduring nature of these feelings, suggesting that love, once kindled, continues to resurface regardless of circumstances.

The song opens with a serene nighttime scene, where the clear sky and shining moon evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. This imagery sets the stage for the singer's heart to 'go running back' to a past love, highlighting the powerful pull of memories and emotions. The mention of opening up and letting someone in suggests a deep, intimate connection that the singer cherishes and repeatedly seeks out.

As the song progresses, it reflects on specific moments of love, such as nights spent together and a memorable moment on the beach. These memories, though cherished, are tinged with a sense of loss as they are now 'out of reach' due to the passage of time. The 'broken circle' metaphor captures the idea of love's cyclical nature, where despite the passage of time and the changes it brings, the feelings remain constant and resurface repeatedly.

The final verse introduces a more poignant note, describing how dreams 'went up in smoke' and love's fire burned out. Yet, even amidst this loss, the feelings remain unchanged, continuing 'over and over again.' This juxtaposition of enduring love and inevitable loss underscores the song's central theme: the persistence of love through time and change, and the way it continually resurfaces in our hearts and minds.