Meaning of "Think Too Much (b)" by Paul Simon

The lyrics of "Think Too Much (b)" delve into the concept of overthinking in a relationship and its potential consequences. The song begins with the narrator mentioning that the "smartest people in the world" gathered in Los Angeles to analyze their love affair and try to understand them better, potentially unscrambling their complexities. This suggests that the narrator and their partner have been under scrutiny and that their relationship has been subject to analysis and interpretation by others.

As the narrator and their partner sit among their photographs, they examine each one, possibly trying to find answers or understand the dynamics of their relationship. The line "And in the end, we compromised and met the morning sun" implies that they were able to reach some sort of resolution or agreement, possibly after much reflection and discussion. However, the repetition of the phrase "Maybe I think too much" throughout the song suggests that the narrator is unsure if their tendency to overthink is beneficial or harmful to their relationship.

The second verse introduces the concept of the left and right sides of the brain. The left side is said to dominate the right, and the right side has to labor through the night, suggesting that logical thinking prevails over creative or emotional thinking. This imbalance may contribute to the narrator's inclination to overthink and analyze their relationship excessively. The mention of the narrator's father coming to them in the night and advising them to get some rest implies a sense of reassurance and support, reminding them that sometimes there is only so much they can do and that resting and allowing things to unfold naturally is necessary.

Overall, the song grapples with the idea of excessive thinking in a relationship. The narrator recognizes their tendency to overanalyze and wonders if it is causing more harm than good. The song invites reflection on the balance between logic and emotions, and the potential risks of overthinking and overanalyzing in love.