When It Falls, It Falls All Over You
Neil Young · Other Songs - Neil Young
Selling papers on the corner,
I saw a man yesterday.
I asked him if he'd wanna
Tell me what made him this way.
He said, when it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
He used to pick his friends.
They left him in the end.
An easy thing to lose,
The right to pick and choose.
When it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
He said he left his wife,
The back-bone of his life.
Another came along,
But now I guess she's gone.
When it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
I think I used to see
That old man on TV,
Can you be the same?
It seems like such a shame.
When it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
The world he thought he knew,
Has better things to do.
As I went on my way
I thought I heard him say:
When it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
I saw a man yesterday.
I asked him if he'd wanna
Tell me what made him this way.
He said, when it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
He used to pick his friends.
They left him in the end.
An easy thing to lose,
The right to pick and choose.
When it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
He said he left his wife,
The back-bone of his life.
Another came along,
But now I guess she's gone.
When it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
I think I used to see
That old man on TV,
Can you be the same?
It seems like such a shame.
When it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
The world he thought he knew,
Has better things to do.
As I went on my way
I thought I heard him say:
When it's born, it's warm,
Then it gathers strength in lies,
When it falls, it falls all over you.
When It Falls, It Falls All Over You
Neil Young's 'When It Falls, It Falls All Over You' stands as a poignant exploration of vulnerability and the inevitability of loss, characteristic of his late-career introspective work. Recorded during a period where Young frequently delved into themes of mortality and human fragility, the track exemplifies his signature blend of folk-rock instrumentation and raw vocal delivery. The song reflects a broader tradition in his discography of confronting difficult truths without sugarcoating, utilizing acoustic textures to underscore the emotional weight of the lyrics. It captures a moment of quiet resignation, resonating with listeners who find comfort in the honesty of such unvarnished musical statements.