Nelly & Tim McGraw
Album: Suit
Song: Over and Over
Reviewed by: Krystal Burns
Note: We focus on reviewing songs, and therefore cannot comment on the appropriateness of the album in its entirety. Please use your best judgment whenever purchasing or listening to music.
The Band
Born Cornell Haynes, Jr. in St. Louis, Missouri, he loved rhymes and story telling from an early age. He soon became involved with a local group called St. Lunatics, but repeated failure to sign a record deal inspired them to venture out solo. The Midwestern rapper caught the attention of Universal, with whom he released his debut Country Grammar (2000). “Hot in Herre” topped the charts in the summer of 2002 and cushioned Nelly’s growing star status.
The Music
Suit was simultaneously released with Sweat September 14, 2004. Sweat is meant to show the street hip/hop side of Nelly, while Suit is the softer R&B compliment. Critics hate it; fans love it. The rest are still trying to figure out what the big deal is. Suit has other featured artists such as Mase, Snoop Dog, Jaheim, and others. Suit centers on romantic relationships and sexuality of varying degrees from serious to just for fun. Both albums have a parental warning for strong language and graphic depictions of sex.
The Song
Nelly and Tim McGraw teamed up on “Over and Over” in the attempt to create a R&B with a twang. I expected something a little more up-beat that would feature the best of both artists. “Over and Over” is one of the cleaner songs on the album; however, the d-word is used once.
Concerning the actual substance of the song, I’m going to be short and to the point, because to be honest, I cannot bear to dedicate any more time to yet another song saturated with self-pity. The breakup scenario opens with “Cause it’s all in my head/ I think about it over and over again,” followed by the classic element of infidelity, “And I can’t keep picturing you with him.” Nelly and Tim McGraw spend the next four minutes and 14 seconds mourning the loss of this “love” over and over again.
Almost every line of the song is dedicated to the pain caused by her leaving. Yes, break-ups hurt and are difficult to get through, and human nature loves to wallow in the muck we create. However, obsessing and reminiscing will only make result in more drama and heart ache.
This is not a “bad” song to listen to, but it’s not a healthy song either. The best remedy for a broken heart is not to listen to sad songs of woe like this one but to give it to the One who can mend it.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits—
Who forgives all your sins,
And heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
And crowns you with love and compassion
Who satisfies your desires with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagles
Psalm 103:2-5
Letting go of a relationship is never easy, even if it’s the right thing to do. For those who can really relate to this song, I encourage you to spend time in prayer sharing your hurts with your Heavenly Father because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7). The best way to get a grip is to center your life on Christ, who will help put all things in eternal perspective.
So What Do You Think?
1. Does the Nelly/Tim McGraw team work for you?
2. Does “Over and Over” have a country twang?
3. Most hit songs center on romantic themes. What does that say about
our culture’s values?
4. According to the Bible, what should our priorities be?
5. Life is difficult. How do you cope?