Power Over Me

"Power Over Me" is a song about being completely and utterly captivated by someone in a positive and uplifting way. Dermot Kennedy has explained that the core idea is about the feeling of being "totally in awe of somebody," where they occupy your thoughts and have a spellbinding influence over you. It’s not about a loss of control in a negative sense, but rather a willing surrender to the admiration and enchantment one feels for another person. The lyrics express a profound sense of devotion and the idea that one's happiness and sense of self are deeply intertwined with this other person. The line "Everything I hold dear resides in those eyes" encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, illustrating that the beloved is the center of the narrator's universe. Over time, Kennedy has noted that the song has also taken on themes of self-doubt and reflection for him.

The song begins with a declaration of profound desire and vulnerability. The narrator yearns to be a central figure, a "king," in their beloved's story, seeking to understand them on the deepest level and win their heart completely. There's a plea for gentle intimacy, for the loved one to sing softly, as this provides a sense of escape and safety, a way to outrun the darkness that looms. This is the fundamental lesson love has imparted to the narrator: love is a sanctuary. When the beloved calls, the narrator's response is immediate and unhesitating, a breathless rush that signifies total devotion.

The chorus erupts with the central theme: an overwhelming sense of being captivated by this person. This "power" is not one of domination but of deep, positive enchantment. The narrator's entire world, everything they value, is reflected in the eyes of their beloved. This person occupies their thoughts constantly, becoming the singular focus of their mind. The repetition of "my my" emphasizes a sense of wonder and awe, as if the narrator is still trying to comprehend the depth of their feelings.

A specific, cherished memory is then invoked, painting a vivid picture of a shared moment by a lake under the moonlight. The image of the beloved shivering and simultaneously shining captures a beautiful and unforgettable instant of vulnerability and radiance. This memory is etched in the narrator's mind, a testament to the relationship's significance. Looking toward the future, the narrator acknowledges the inevitability of time and mortality. Their stated desire isn't for fame or fortune, but to live a life that even the "devil would hate," suggesting a life of such goodness and integrity that it stands in defiance of evil. This again triggers the instinct to rush to their loved one's side when called, reinforcing the song's core message of devotion.

A bridge-like section shifts the perspective slightly, introducing a moment of introspection and a challenge to the beloved. The line "You decide if darkness knows you well" is a poignant plea for them to choose light and not succumb to their own struggles. It suggests a shared battle against personal demons, where their connection is a source of mutual support. The narrator recognizes the lessons of love and their need for the other person to see and understand the immense power they hold. The song concludes by powerfully restating the chorus, cementing the idea that this enchanting power the beloved holds is the narrator's most profound truth, an all-encompassing force that defines their world and emotional landscape.

"Power Over Me" was written by Dermot Kennedy in collaboration with songwriter Scott Harris and Canadian producer Stephen "Koz" Kozmeniuk. The songwriting process for this track was a new challenge for Kennedy. Typically, his songs would evolve organically, but "Power Over Me" was built around the central lyric and theme, "you've got that power over me." They started with this core idea and branched outwards, a process Kennedy found to be a good challenge in maintaining the song's message cohesively. The song was recorded with Koz producing, who is known for his work with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Dua Lipa. It was released on October 16, 2018, and premiered on BBC Radio 1 with Annie Mac, where it was featured as her "Hottest Record in the World". The track became a live favorite and was included on his debut studio album, "Without Fear," released in 2019.

The song's rhythm is a driving force, particularly in the chorus, where a strong, slightly syncopated drum pattern provides an energetic and anthemic feel. This contrasts with the more fluid, gentle rhythm of the verses, which allows Kennedy's vocals and the lyrical narrative to take the lead. The tempo is moderate but builds in intensity, mirroring the emotional arc of the song. The rhyme scheme is not strictly rigid, but it utilizes a combination of perfect and near rhymes to create a sense of structure and musicality. For example, in the first verse, "story" and "for me" create a slant rhyme, as do "softly" and "taught me". The pre-chorus lines "rush out" and "breath now" create a more direct rhyme leading into the powerful chorus. This blend of formal rhyme and more conversational, free-verse-like phrasing contributes to the song's modern folk feel, making it both poetic and grounded.

Musically, "Power Over Me" showcases Dermot Kennedy's signature blend of folk-inspired songwriting with elements of hip-hop production. His vocal performance is a key stylistic element, moving dynamically from soft, gentle verses to a powerful, almost raw and roaring delivery in the anthemic chorus. This dynamic ebb and flow creates a huge sense of emotional release and passion. The arrangement builds from a simple, stirring introduction with harmonies, guitar, and soft piano, to a full-bodied sound with a rhythmic, off-kilter drumbeat in the chorus that has been influenced by hip-hop. Lyrically, the song uses direct address ("You've got that power over me") to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The narrative structure, which moves from a general declaration of love to a specific memory and then back to the overarching theme, makes the emotion feel both universal and deeply personal.

"Power Over Me" was a significant breakthrough single for Dermot Kennedy, greatly increasing his international recognition. The song achieved considerable chart success across Europe, peaking at number 11 on the Irish Singles Chart and charting in countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. It was his first song to make a significant impact on the UK charts. The track's popularity was boosted by its feature as Annie Mac's "Hottest Record in the World" on BBC Radio 1 and critical acclaim from various music publications. Its music video, which tells a story of a young female boxer in Havana, Cuba, also garnered attention for its cinematic quality and narrative depth. The song has become a staple and a fan favorite at Kennedy's live shows, known for its powerful singalong chorus. To celebrate its 5th anniversary in 2024, a limited edition 7" vinyl was released.

The song employs powerful imagery and metaphors to convey its message of intense love and admiration.

• Light and Darkness: A recurring theme is the contrast between light and darkness. The beloved's presence helps the narrator "outrun the dark." There's also a poignant plea for the loved one to not be consumed by their own darkness in the line, "You decide if darkness knows you well." This suggests their relationship is a mutual source of light and salvation, a refuge from personal struggles.
• Kings and Stories: The opening line, "I wanna be king in your story," is a metaphor for wanting to be the most important and central figure in the beloved's life, not in a controlling way, but in a way that signifies deep connection and significance.
• The Lake in the Moonlight: The memory of the "lake in the moonlight" where the beloved "shivered and shone" serves as a powerful symbol of a perfect, unforgettable moment of beauty and vulnerability. Kennedy has specified this memory is from a night at Ashford Castle in Ireland.

The most prominent recurring motif is the lyrical phrase "You've got that power over me," which serves as the song's title, central theme, and main hook. Its repetition in the chorus drills home the song's core message of being completely enchanted by someone. The phrase "my my" is also repeated, acting as an exclamatory sigh that emphasizes the feeling of awe and wonder. The concept of the beloved's "eyes" is another recurring image, with the line "Everything I hold dear resides in those eyes" appearing in each chorus, symbolizing that the person is the source of all value and meaning for the singer. Additionally, the moon and moonlight are recurring images in Kennedy's work, and here, the "lake in the moonlight" serves as a key memory and motif within the song.