Meaning of "All Over Now" by Eric Hutchinson

The lyrics of "All Over Now" delve into the concept of feeling trapped in a repetitive and unsatisfying situation. The narrator feels as though they are a "bottom feeder" at the end of their rope, questioning where this cycle began. They use the metaphor of circling around what they couldn't help bring down, highlighting the idea that they may have contributed to their own stagnation. Despite the lack of visible change, the narrator acknowledges that something needs to give and expresses disappointment as everything seems to be falling apart.

The second verse introduces the theme of being shortchanged and identifies the difficulty in recognizing the repetition that surrounds them. The repetition is emphasized through the repetition of the line "Short changed, now it's getting even harder to identify the repetition." This repetition amplifies the frustration and the feeling of being trapped. The lyrics suggest that the narrator fears losing themselves in this cycle, saying, "Will I simply peel away, feels more likely every day." This line conveys a sense of resignation and the idea that the monotony is slowly eroding their sense of self.

The final lines of the song introduce a conversation with someone who is apologizing for the pain they couldn't cause. Instead of accepting the apology, the narrator urges them to use their breath to regain what they have lost, implying that apologies are meaningless if they are not accompanied by action. The reference to "the cost" implies that there has been a significant sacrifice or consequence in maintaining this repetitive cycle. Overall, "All Over Now" portrays a sense of frustration, weariness, and the desire for change.