taking keys to your place
and emotionally i'm sparing the last today
for your sole special role
you ask me what has been said
it's like
all the strangers, the first loves are two sides
and my rusty eyes flow
in the paths that the forsaken hoes roam
and your words fall

she's there to impress me
but it shouldn't throw you down
for this bird don't interest me
the crooked ways of pros

all the same all the same
smoke-covered skinny marionette
a plague out-of-control
but i don't even care
'cause it's like
all the strangers, the first loves are two sides
and though my eyes flow
in the paths that the forsaken hoes roam
oh your eyes glow

she's there to impress me
but it shouldn't throw you down
for this bird don't interest me
the crooked ways of pros
she's there to impress me
but it shouldn't throw you down
for this bird don't interest me
the crooked ways of pros

she's there to impress me
but it shouldn't throw you down
for this bird don't interest me
the crooked ways of pros
she's there to impress me
but it shouldn't throw you down
for this bird don't interest me
the crooked ways of pros

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Crooked Ways of Pros" by Fresh out of the Bus convey a sense of detachment and emotional distance. The singer seems to be in a relationship with someone, but is not fully invested in it. The opening lines suggest that the singer has taken the keys to their partner's place, but is emotionally disconnected and "sparing the last today". The next lines seem to suggest that there are other people in the picture, as the singer refers to "all the strangers" and "the first loves" being "two sides". The imagery of "rusty eyes" that "flow in the paths that the forsaken hoes roam" suggests a certain world-weariness and cynicism.

The chorus of the song centers around the phrase "crooked ways of pros". The term "pros" could refer to prostitutes, or simply to people who are willing to use underhanded or manipulative tactics to get what they want. The singer seems to be saying that they are not interested in being taken in by such tactics, as the "bird" (a slang term for a woman) doesn't interest them.

The overall mood of the song is one of detachment and a kind of weary resignation. The repeated refrain of "she's there to impress me but it shouldn't throw you down" suggests that the singer is aware of the effect their behavior might have on their partner, but at the same time is unwilling or unable to change.

Line by Line Meaning

taking keys to your place
I have access to your home, and I am hesitant to embrace any emotion that may come with this situation.

and emotionally i'm sparing the last today
I am trying to avoid any emotional attachment, and holding myself back from expressing any feelings.

for your sole special role
I am only interested in you for a specific reason or role you play in my life.

you ask me what has been said
You inquire about any communication that has occurred, and what has been discussed.

it's like
I am trying to explain, or define a situation or feeling.

all the strangers, the first loves are two sides
There are two types of people you encounter in life, those who are new and unfamiliar, and those who were once special and significant.

and my rusty eyes flow
My vision is blurred and unclear, perhaps from age or past experiences, making it difficult to see things clearly.

in the paths that the forsaken hoes roam
I am wandering amidst a group of women who have been cast aside, left behind, or abandoned because of their profession or lifestyle.

and your words fall
Your words are not having an impact, making no difference in the outcome or situation.

she's there to impress me
A woman is attempting to dazzle or win me over through her actions or words.

but it shouldn't throw you down
You should not be discouraged or upset by her attempts to gain my attention, as she does not interest me in that way.

for this bird don't interest me
I am not attracted to this person, and do not wish to pursue a relationship with her.

the crooked ways of pros
I do not want to involve myself in the deceitful or unethical practices of those in her line of work.

all the same all the same
Regardless of what happens, it all seems to be the same, with no notable changes or improvements.

smoke-covered skinny marionette
A frail and fragile figure, controlled by outside forces, and consumed by a cloud of smoke.

a plague out-of-control
A situation or problem that is spreading uncontrollably and dangerously, with no apparent solution.

but i don't even care
I have no concern or investment in the situation, and am apathetic towards it.

oh your eyes glow
Your eyes are shining brightly, perhaps with emotion or excitement.

Contributed by Alyssa N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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