Salvia Palth’s song “I Was All Over Her” from the album “melanchole” is a sad song about missed opportunities in love. It talks about feeling lonely after failing to connect with someone special.
I’m really drawn to this song because it reminds me of a similar experience I had. I met a girl I liked at a wedding, but I was too shy to talk to her. I felt really lonely afterwards, and when she left, all I had were memories and regrets.
In this article, we’ll go through the lyrics step by step to understand their deep meaning.
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Background
Salvia Palth is the musical project of Daniel Johann, a New Zealander based in Wellington.
Currently, he releases music under the names Adore, 1996, and his own name. Johann’s music carries a lo-fi dream pop and ambient vibe with influences from hip hop and various genres.
The artist name “salvia palth” is a playful twist on the well-known poet Sylvia Plath’s name.
Sylvia Plath’s poetry is known for its introspective and lamenting nature, often delving into her mental state and significant moments in her life—themes that may resonate with Johann’s work.
“I Was All Over Her” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
Don’t know what I wanted, I have a memory
Back at that party, I was all over her
We didn’t make out or do anything
I just remembered, I was lonely
The lines “Don’t know what I wanted, I have a memory” suggest the singer is recalling a desire-linked memory, but he’s avoiding acknowledging the feeling, making it seem like he’s unsure of his wants.
In the next part, he sings “Back at that party, I was all over her.” “All over” typically implies a strong attraction or being clingy. It’s clear the singer is deeply drawn to a girl he encountered at the party.
However, he struggles to figure out how to connect or pursue her, leading to a sense of loneliness. This is a familiar sentiment when someone catches your eye at a party, yet building a connection proves elusive.
Verse 2
I guess I am always, it’s not a problem
It’s just something, I got used to it
Every stranger makes me feel safer
And every person seems more beautiful
In the second verse, the singer says, “I guess I am always, it’s not a problem/It’s just something, I got used to it.” He deliberately keeps things unclear. What has he always been? What did he get used to? Based on hints in the first verse, it seems he’s referring to being drawn to a girl at a party but not forming a connection. He tries to reassure himself that it’s not an issue and missing opportunities with attractive girls is something he’s accustomed to. So, this time, not connecting with the girl is just like many times before. It seems he’s downplaying his feelings to avoid regret.
The singer then justifies, “Every stranger makes me feel safer/And every person seems more beautiful.” Essentially, he’s suggesting the girl from the party is no different from anyone else who makes him feel safe and beautiful. It seems he’s trying to hide his strong feelings. If she’s just like everyone else, why would she be a lasting memory? Yet, this is a common self-soothing mechanism when we feel lost—we convince ourselves that someone we deeply care about is just an ordinary person we can find elsewhere.
Overall Message
Salvia Palth’s ‘I Was All Over Her’ is an introspective track that appears to draw inspiration from the singer’s deeply personal experiences.
The lyrics tell a story of the singer developing feelings for a girl at a party, but unfortunately, a genuine connection slips away. This leaves a lasting memory that lingers for years. As the song progresses, the singer appears to downplay these emotions, possibly to avoid future regrets.
In its poignant lyrics, the song portrays internal conflict, with the singer longing for connection while grappling with the uncertainties of his feelings. Here, loneliness is portrayed as a constant companion that has been acknowledged and adapted to over time.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.