Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over”: A Haunting and Ethereal Masterpiece
Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” is a song that has haunted and captivated listeners since its release in 1994. The song is the seventh track on Buckley’s only studio album, Grace, and it is considered one of the most beautiful and moving songs ever written.
The song begins with a simple, droning harmonium figure that sets the stage for Buckley’s soaring vocals. Buckley’s voice is the centerpiece of the song, and it is his emotive and passionate delivery that makes the song so unforgettable. The lyrics are simple but poetic, and they tell the story of a young man who is struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship.
The song builds in intensity as Buckley’s vocals become more and moreassioned. The song reaches a climax with the line, “Lover, you should’ve come over,” which is sung with such raw emotion that it is impossible not to be moved.
The song ends with a return to the simple harmonium figure from the beginning. This creates a sense of closure and leaves the listener with a sense of peace and reflection.
“Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” is a truly unique and special song. It is a song that will stay with you long after you have heard it. If you are not familiar with Jeff Buckley’s music, I highly recommend starting with this song. It is a masterpiece that will not soon be forgotten.
Looking out the door I see the rain Fall upon the funeral mourners Parading in a wake of sad relations As their shoes fill up with water
Maybe I’m too young To keep good love from going wrong But tonight you’re on my mind So… you’ll never know
Broken down and hungry for your love With no way to feed it Where are you tonight? Child, ya know how much I need it
Too young to hold on And too old to just break free and run
Sometimes a man gets carried away When he feels like should be having his fun Much too blind to see the damage he’s done Sometimes a man must awake to find that Really he has no one
So I’ll wait for you, love And I’ll burn Will I ever see your sweet return? Oh, will I ever learn? Oh-oh, lover, you should’ve come over ‘Cause it’s not too late
Lonely is the room, the bed is made The open window lets the rain in Burning in the corner is the only one who dreams He had you with him
My body turns And yearns for a sleep that won’t ever come It’s never over My kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder It’s never over All my riches for her smiles When I’ve slept so soft against her
It’s never over All my blood for the sweetness of her laughter It’s never over She is the tear that hangs inside my soul forever
Oh, but maybe I’m just too young To keep good love from going wrong
Oh-oh-oh, lover You should’ve come over, yeah, yes Yes, I feel too young to hold on And much too old to break free and run Too deaf, dumb and blind to see the damage I’ve done Sweet lover, you should’ve come over
Oh, love, well I’ve waited for you Lover, lover, lover Lover, love, love, love, love, love, love! Lover, you should’ve come over ‘Cause it’s not too late