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Kennel District
Pavement Lyrics


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Hold on tight she wears the seek
It's got more stars than the sky
It's still forbidden to excuse
That little look in your eye
I was busted in my gut that time
That time I said 'I know it's true'
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
I can't believe she's married to rope
I would have turned down the light
But she always marked my fear
Doesn't make it alright
I wanted to stay there
But you know I needed more than that
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask?

Overall Meaning

"Kennel District" is one of the most recognizable songs of the American indie rock band, Pavement. The song is part of their fourth album "Wowee Zowee" released on April 11, 1995. The lyrics of the song are cryptic and difficult to decipher, but the overall mood is one of frustration and regret, with the singer questioning why he didn't ask for what he wanted. The first stanza talks about someone who wears "the seek," a reference to a coat with a lot of pockets, and has more stars than the sky. The next couple of lines suggest that there is a forbidden attraction between the singer and the person wearing the coat, with a little look in their eye that makes the singer feel something in his gut. The line "why didn't I ask?" repeats several times throughout the song, emphasizing the regret and missed opportunity the singer feels.


The second stanza suggests that the person in the coat is someone who is inaccessible, "married to rope," and that the singer wanted to turn down the light, but the other person marks his fear. The final lines of the song suggest that the singer wanted to stay with the person in the coat but needed more than that, perhaps suggesting that the singer is looking for something deeper than just a fleeting attraction.


Overall, "Kennel District" is a song that captures a moment of indecisiveness and longing for something more. The lyrics are difficult to interpret, but the overall mood of the song is one of regret and missed opportunities.


Line by Line Meaning

Hold on tight she wears the seek
She is dressed in a manner that makes her look attractive and intriguing.


It's got more stars than the sky
Her outfit is exceptional with decorations that make it stand out.


It's still forbidden to excuse
Despite the attraction, it is not acceptable to overlook any inappropriate behavior.


That little look in your eye
Your subtle glance suggests a mutual interest in each other.


I was busted in my gut that time
I was emotionally overwhelmed at that moment.


That time I said 'I know it's true'
I expressed my conviction at that moment.


Why didn't I ask?
I regret not asking for her company or more information about her.


I can't believe she's married to rope
I can't believe she's tied down in a relationship that restricts her freedom.


I would have turned down the light
I would have been willing to make sacrifices for her and be considerate of her needs.


But she always marked my fear
I was intimidated by her presence and the possibility of rejection.


Doesn't make it alright
It doesn't justify my inaction and missed opportunities with her.


I wanted to stay there
I wanted to prolong the interaction and get to know her better.


But you know I needed more than that
I had other desires and motivations beyond just staying in her company.


Why didn't I?
I continue to regret my inability to pursue her or take risks in our relationship.


Why didn't I ask?
I wish I had sought out more information about her and made a move to get closer to her.


Why didn't I ask?
My hesitations and fears prevented me from pursuing a deeper connection with her.


Why didn't I ask?
I am frustrated with my lack of action and the opportunities I missed with her.


Why didn't I ask?
I regret my failure to communicate my feelings, intentions, and desires to her.


Why didn't I ask?
I am constantly haunted by the questions of what could have been if I had taken a chance with her.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SCOTT KANNBERG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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