Kansas City
David Bromberg Lyrics


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Leiber-Stoller

You know I’m going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
Going to Kansas City baby, Kansas City here I come
They got some crazy little men there,
I'm gonna get me one

I'm gonna be standing on the corner, 12th Street and Vine
On the corner baby, 12th Street and Vine
Oh with my Kansas City baby
And my mug of Kansas City wine.

I might take a plane, I might take a train
But if I have to walk the way, I'm going just the same
I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
They got some crazy little men there, I'm gonna get me one

I might take a plane, I might take a train
But if I have to walk, I'm going just the same
I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
They got some crazy little men there
I'm gonna get me one




They got some crazy little men there....
I'm gonna get me one....

Overall Meaning

David Bromberg's "Kansas City" is a classic blues number that tells the story of a man traveling to Kansas City, a city known for its musical culture and wild nightlife. The song was originally written by Leiber-Stoller and first recorded by Little Willie Littlefield, but Bromberg's version has become one of the most popular covers of the song. The lyrics are simple but effective, with a catchy chorus that invites the listener to sing along.


The first verse sets the stage for the rest of the song, as the singer announces his intention to travel to Kansas City. He's not going there for the sights or the tourist attractions - he's going to find himself a "crazy little man." This line could be interpreted in a few different ways - perhaps he's looking for a wild and free-spirited partner, or maybe he's just looking for someone who's up for some fun. Either way, it's clear that the singer has a specific goal in mind.


The second verse gives us a more concrete image of the singer's plans. He'll be standing on the corner of 12th Street and Vine with his "Kansas City baby" and a mug of wine. This is a classic blues image, with the singer embracing the city's nightlife and immersing himself in the culture. The final verse repeats the idea that the singer will do whatever it takes to get to Kansas City - he'll take a plane or a train if he can, but if he has to walk, he'll go just the same.


Overall, "Kansas City" is a fun and playful song that captures the energy and excitement of the city it's named after. It's a classic blues number that's been covered by countless artists over the years, but David Bromberg's version stands out for its lively arrangement and Bromberg's expressive vocals.


Line by Line Meaning

You know I’m going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
I am excited and determined to travel to Kansas City.


Going to Kansas City baby, Kansas City here I come
I am enthusiastically preparing to visit Kansas City.


They got some crazy little men there, I'm gonna get me one
Kansas City is known for having attractive and interesting men, and I plan to find one for myself.


I'm gonna be standing on the corner, 12th Street and Vine
When I arrive in Kansas City, I plan to spend time in the lively area around 12th Street and Vine.


On the corner baby, 12th Street and Vine
This specific location holds significance to me and adds to the excitement of my trip.


Oh with my Kansas City baby and my mug of Kansas City wine
I will share a drink of locally made wine with a special someone I meet in Kansas City.


I might take a plane, I might take a train
I am open to different modes of transportation to make it to Kansas City.


But if I have to walk the way, I'm going just the same
My desire to visit Kansas City is so strong that I am willing to make the journey on foot if necessary.


They got some crazy little men there, I'm gonna get me one
I am again emphasizing my eagerness to find a man in Kansas City.


They got some crazy little men there....
I am reiterating the general sentiment that Kansas City men are unique and intriguing.


I'm gonna get me one....
My primary goal for visiting Kansas City is to find a romantic partner.




Contributed by Thomas M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@TM-jo4wz

The Man!
What a band!
What a horn section!!!!!
Been listening to this for many years and more.

@harrijoy2039

If this doesn't get you up and dancing or at least tapping your toes you must be dead .........but that just one of the many reasons I have followed this man Thur his whole musical career

@damianpavinich3212

Parents dragged me to a Bromberg concert circa 6 years old...been fucked up ever since

@brendanmcnally9145

Thanks for posting. I loved this album!

@harriware

A decade before the blues brothers David was laying down It and picking it up !

@karenhall-gist6966

One of the best!

@BurtonJohnson

3:30 If I have to do a goddamned boogaloo I swear I'll get there just the same...

@CharlesCCRidesChandler

I'm really digging this horn section..!.. smile ...:)O(:...

@CharlesCCRidesChandler

Can't beat a 'good' horn!!!...:)O(:...

@karinablacktie

+Charles “C.C. Rides” Chandler The piano riff ain't too bad, either.

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