Difference between revisions of "My Brain Is Working Overtime"

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"My Brain Is Working Overtime," (originally titled "My Brain"), is a song that was demoed in 1999 by Rivers Cuomo. It was released on Alone II: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo and played live during the Summer of 2000 (SS2K). It was an early contender for The Green Album. A reworking of the track entitled "Losing My Mind" was considered for Make Believe in 2004. That version was released on Death to False Metal in 2010.

Overview

The Alone II version, which is the original demo of the song, is quite different than the SS2K version. The Alone II version is at a slower tempo, the lyrics are slightly altered and the melody is different. Also, the SS2K version has higher pitched background vocals and includes the rare use of the word "fuck," which hadn't been used in a Weezer song until this demo and hasn't been used since (not including the use of it on Raditude during Lil Wayne's rap bridge of Can't Stop Partying).

During two shows on the Troublemaker Tour, it was sung solo by Rivers Cuomo in between sets of opening bands with a Muppet. It was later discovered that Cuomo was being filmed for the song's music video.

"My Brain is Working Overtime" was streamed by several music websites and Cuomo's official music Myspace on November 11, 2008. It is the first single from Alone II.

Music video

Personnel

Alone II version:

• Rivers Cuomo – lead guitar, lead vocals, drums, rhythm guitar, bass guitar, piano

SS2K version:

• Rivers Cuomo – lead guitar, lead vocals
• Patrick Wilson – drums
• Brian Bell – rhythm guitar
• Mikey Welsh – bass guitar, backing vocals

Lyrics

Alone II version:

<lyrics>My brain is working overtime I need something to ease my mind And as my thoughts go manic I reel and start to panic There’s no place to hide behind

I freak and then hallucinate I go at lights when I should wait My parents think I’m lazy But damn, I’m going crazy I can’t help my mental state

Pick it up y'all, pick it up

Ooh lala (he’s trippin’) La dee dah (mental slippin’) Take these brains out of my way

I work into a frenzied clip I bite the corners of my lip I’m losin’ my appetite My pants don’t even fit right Take away the month-old dip My hair could start a bowl cut fad The state of my attire is sad And if I was run over By a brand new Range Rover Hey, I'd actually be glad

Pick it up y'all, pick it up

Ooh lala (he’s trippin’) La dee dah (mental slippin’) Take these brains out of my way

Do you really want me down? Do you really want me? Do you really want me down? 'Cause I'm waiting to see

My brain is working overtime I need something to ease my mind And as my thoughts go manic I reel and start to panic There’s no place to hide behind

Pick it up y'all, pick it up

Ooh lala (he’s trippin’) La dee dah (mental slippin’) Take these brains out of my way</lyrics>

SS2K version

<lyrics>My brain is working overtime. I need something to ease my mind ‘Cause as my thoughts go manic I really start to panic. And there’s no place to hide behind.

I freak and then hallucinate. I go at lights when I should wait. My parents think I’m lazy, But, damn, I’m going crazy. I can’t help my mental state.

Now would I lie? (he’s trippin’) Sing till you die. (mental slippin’) Take these brains out of my way. (nah-nah nah-nah)

I work into a frenzied clip. I bite the corners of my lip. I’m losin’ my appetite. My pants don’t even fit right. Take away the month-old dip, And give me something for my hair (aaaah) A fresher pair of underwear ‘Cause if I was run over By a brand new Range Rover I just skip it. I don’t care.

Now would I lie? (he’s trippin’) Sing till you die. (mental slippin’) Take these brains out of my way. (nah-nah nah-nah)

I tell the world to fuck itself. ‘Cause who decides what’s sick or healthy? And all the people I see That’s bankin’ lots of “benjie” Make me want to kick myself. Start a brand new fashion trend (aaah) For those off of the deeper end. Sedatives and No-Doz And edible pantyhose On your plate so dig right in.

Now would I lie? (he’s trippin’) Sing till you die. (mental slippin’) Take these brains out of my way. (nah-nah nah-nah) . . . naah </lyrics>

See also

• List of Rivers Cuomo songs