Meaning of “Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears

Vocalist/co-writer Roy Orzabel described “Head Over Heels” as being a song about romance that ends up going “a bit perverse at the end”. And it can be gathered earlier on especially that the vocalist is addressing a romantic interest. Also, the term “head over heels” is one that points to being in love, so it really isn’t that challenging to perceive that this piece is based on such a sentiment.

However, it’s as if as the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly challenging to make sense out of within that context. If the vocalist truly is in love, then he proceeds to come off as one of those guys who’s so smitten that he can’t really articulate himself. 

Or let’s say that Roy making statements such as his ‘mother and brother being used to breathing clean air’ and noting that he’s ‘dreaming he’s a doctor’ does not have any type of readily-discernible pertinence in this equation. Nor, by the looks of things, have listeners been able to conclusively figure out what role play the musings featured in the second verse are meant to serve, even now, some decades after “Head Over Heels” was first dropped. But going back to Orzabel’s explanation, perhaps they are meant to somehow allude to sex.

However, as for the thesis sentiment as relayed in the chorus, that’s pretty clear. What it implies is that the vocalist is the sentimental/emotional type. Or in any event, he is so much “head over heels” for the addressee that he is worried about the potential of her breaking his heart.

“Something happens and I’m head over heels
I never find out until I’m head over heels
Something happens and I’m head over heels
Ah, don’t take my heart, don’t break my heart
Don’t, don’t, don’t throw it away”

Release Date of “Head Over Heels”

Tears for Fears released “Head Over Heels” on 10th of June, 1985 as the 4th single from their “Songs from the Big Chair” album. The album happens to be their 2nd studio album and was officially released through the following record labels:

• Phonogram Incorporated
• Mercury Records

These songs were also released as singles to support the album:

• “Mothers Talk”
• “Shout”
• “I Believe (A Soulful Re-Recording)”
• “Mothers Talk (US remix)”

Credits

Chris Hughes has been credited with the production of “Head Over Heels”, while Curt Smith and Orzabal hold its writing credits.