S.O.S.
Aerosmith Lyrics

Stagecoach lady, hourglass body
Describing a woman with an attractive body shape, like an hourglass, who could have made things exciting in the night if only she knew how to be bold and tell her lover that she would be out tonight.

Makin' thinks glow in the night
The woman's body had the potential to ignite passion and desire in someone who saw it, particularly in a darker setting or at night.

Well, she would if she could
The woman wanted to be able to express her desire but might not have felt comfortable doing so.

And she'd be good if she would
The woman could have been good at fulfilling someone's desires if only she was willing to try and step outside of her comfort zone.

Only tell her lover she be out tonight
The woman needed to communicate with her lover about her plans and desires, and tell them that she would be out for the night.

'Cause I'm a bad
The singer identifies himself as being rebellious or mischievous.

A lonely school boy
Despite the bravado, the singer is also coming from a place of feeling isolated and alone.

And I'm a rat
The artist might be sneaky or untrustworthy, likening himself to a rat.

And it's too bad can't get me none of that
The artist is lamenting that he cannot have what he wants, likely referring back to the woman described earlier.

Salt lake city, salt-lickin' bitties
A crude reference to women in Salt Lake City, who are portrayed as being promiscuous.

Bogies turn, stinkin' of gin
The singer might be in a seedy bar or club, with people smoking and drinking.

Well my daddy was hard
The artist's father was tough or strict, possibly hinting at a difficult childhood.

His face was pretty scarred
The father's scars might be literal, but could also represent emotional pain from a turbulent family life.

From kickin' ass to playin' poker to win
The singer's father was versatile and skilled in various areas, from physical fighting to mental strategy.

New sold lady my mama Cady
Describing the singer's mother as a new, or perhaps younger, woman.

Chivalry was born at her feet
The artist's mother was seen as having virtuous qualities that inspired chivalrous behavior in others.

Well she should have thought twice when pa showed his dice
The mother might have regretted some of her choices when the father revealed his true nature.

Imagine put my daddy to sleep
Potentially referring to the mother either figuratively or literally 'putting to rest' the father, indicating that he is no longer in the picture.

Lord, it's too bad
The refrain is repeated as a lament, underscoring the singer's disappointment and frustration at not being able to get what he wants.

I said it's too bad
Repeating the refrain emphasizes the feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward or satisfy his desires.

You know it's too bad
The artist is urging the listener to empathize with his situation, and join him in acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances.

Ah, it's too bad
The artist expresses disappointment once again, with a tone of resignation and finality.