Crimson and Clover Over and Over Lyrics Explained

The complete lyrics for \"Crimson and Clover\" by Tommy James and the Shondells include the iconic \"over and over\" refrain in the chorus: \"Crimson and clover, over and over\". Released in 1968, this psychedelic rock classic features dreamy vocals and distinctive organ riffs that made it a #1 hit. The \"over and over\" repetition appears throughout the song as a hypnotic refrain that emphasizes the song's romantic and somewhat mysterious theme.

Full Crimson and Clover Lyrics with Over and Over Sections

Understanding the complete lyrics of \"Crimson and Clover\" requires recognizing how the \"over and over\" phrase functions as the song's central refrain. Many fans specifically search for \"crimson and clover over and over lyrics\" because this repeating section is the most memorable part of the song. Here are the complete lyrics with the repeating sections clearly marked:

Intro:	Over and over, over and over, over and over
Verse 1:	Crimson and clover, over and over Over and over, over and over Crimson and clover, over and over Over and over, over and over
Chorus:	My reflection, in the water Is a ghost of you, I thought was true My reflection, in the water Is a ghost of you, I thought was true
Verse 2:	Crimson and clover, over and over Over and over, over and over Crimson and clover, over and over Over and over, over and over
Bridge:	My reflection, in the water Is a ghost of you, I thought was true My reflection, in the water Is a ghost of you, I thought was true
Outro:	Crimson and clover, over and over Over and over, over and over Crimson and clover, over and over Over and over, over and over

Understanding the Song's Structure and Meaning

When examining the \"crimson and clover over and over lyrics\" in context, it's important to recognize that the repetition serves both musical and thematic purposes. The hypnotic \"over and over\" refrain creates a dreamlike quality that perfectly complements the song's psychedelic style. Many listeners searching for \"crimson and clover song interpretation\" wonder about the meaning behind these seemingly abstract lyrics.

The phrase \"crimson and clover\" itself doesn't have a literal meaning but was chosen for its sound and color imagery. Tommy James has explained in interviews that he was inspired by the visual contrast between the deep red \"crimson\" and the three-leaf \"clover\" as symbolic representations of love and passion. The \"over and over\" repetition reflects the obsessive, all-consuming nature of the romantic feeling described in the song.

Historical Context of Crimson and Clover

Released in November 1968, \"Crimson and Clover\" became Tommy James and the Shondells' second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, spending three weeks at the top in early 1969. The song's distinctive sound featured innovative production techniques for its time, including:

• Heavy use of reverb and echo effects
• Distinctive organ riffs played through a Leslie speaker
• Tommy James' signature dreamy, almost whispered vocal delivery
• Unusual song structure that builds gradually rather than following traditional verse-chorus patterns

When researching \"crimson and clover original version lyrics\", it's worth noting that the single version (3:50) differed slightly from the album version (6:15), with the longer version featuring extended instrumental sections. The \"over and over\" refrain appears consistently throughout both versions, making it the song's most recognizable element.

Common Misunderstandings About the Lyrics

One of the most frequent points of confusion for listeners searching for \"crimson and clover over and over lyrics\" is whether \"Over and Over\" is a separate song or part of \"Crimson and Clover\". Many music streaming services and lyric websites incorrectly list \"Over and Over\" as a standalone track, leading to confusion.

The reality is that \"over and over\" is simply the repeating phrase within \"Crimson and Clover\". This misunderstanding has persisted for decades, with some compilation albums even listing \"Over and Over\" as a separate song. When examining authentic \"crimson and clover lyrics full version\" sources, you'll always find \"over and over\" as an integral part of the main song structure.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

\"Crimson and Clover\" has maintained remarkable staying power in popular culture. The song's distinctive \"over and over\" refrain has been referenced, sampled, and covered numerous times:

• Joan Jett and the Blackhearts released a popular cover version in 1980
• The song has appeared in multiple films including \"Forrest Gump\" and \"That '70s Show\"
• It's been sampled by hip-hop artists including The Notorious B.I.G.
• The phrase \"crimson and clover\" has entered popular lexicon as a reference to psychedelic-era music

When exploring \"crimson and clover song history\", it's fascinating to note how this simple repeating phrase has become one of the most recognizable hooks in rock history. The hypnotic quality of the \"over and over\" repetition perfectly captures the psychedelic era's fascination with altered states and dreamlike experiences.

Why the Over and Over Refrain Resonates

The enduring appeal of the \"crimson and clover over and over lyrics\" lies in their simplicity and emotional resonance. The repetition creates a meditative quality that allows listeners to project their own feelings onto the song. Musicologists have noted that the hypnotic repetition serves several psychological functions:

• Creates a trance-like state that enhances emotional connection
• Mimics the obsessive nature of infatuation and love
• Provides a musical anchor that makes the song instantly recognizable
• Allows for instrumental improvisation around a stable vocal refrain

For those researching \"crimson and clover lyrics meaning\", the repetition isn't just a musical device—it's central to the song's emotional impact. The phrase \"over and over\" suggests something that cannot be forgotten or escaped, perfectly capturing the all-consuming nature of the romantic obsession described in the lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does \"crimson and clover\" mean in the song?

The phrase \"crimson and clover\" doesn't have a literal meaning but was chosen for its visual and emotional impact. Crimson represents deep red passion while clover symbolizes luck and the three-leaf shape may subtly reference the Holy Trinity. Tommy James has explained he was inspired by the color contrast and how these words sounded together, creating a dreamy, psychedelic feeling that matched the song's mood.

Is \"Over and Over\" a separate song from \"Crimson and Clover\"?

No, \"Over and Over\" is not a separate song. It's a common misconception that stems from the repetitive nature of the chorus. The phrase \"over and over\" appears as a refrain within \"Crimson and Clover\" and is integral to the song's structure. Some compilation albums and streaming services have incorrectly listed it as a separate track, causing confusion among listeners searching for \"crimson and clover over and over lyrics\".

Who wrote Crimson and Clover and when was it released?

\"Crimson and Clover\" was written by Tommy James and Peter Lucia Jr. and released by Tommy James and the Shondells in November 1968. It became a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1969, spending three weeks at the top of the charts. The song was recorded at RCA Studios in New York and features Tommy James' distinctive whisper-singing vocal style that became one of the song's most recognizable elements.

Why does the song repeat \"over and over\" so many times?

The repetition of \"over and over\" serves both musical and thematic purposes. Musically, it creates a hypnotic, trance-like quality that was characteristic of psychedelic rock in the late 1960s. Thematically, it emphasizes the obsessive, all-consuming nature of the romantic feeling described in the song. The repetition mirrors how intense emotions can feel like they're cycling continuously in one's mind, which is why listeners searching for \"crimson and clover over and over lyrics\" often connect deeply with this aspect of the song.

Are there different versions of Crimson and Clover with different lyrics?

The original 1968 single version (3:50) and album version (6:15) of \"Crimson and Clover\" have identical lyrics, with the longer version featuring extended instrumental sections. Joan Jett's 1980 cover version maintains the same core lyrics but with a rockier arrangement. Some live performances by Tommy James have included slight variations, but the essential \"crimson and clover, over and over\" refrain remains consistent across all authentic versions. When searching for \"crimson and clover lyrics full version\", it's important to verify you're looking at the original Tommy James recording.