Hey Rose
Houndmouth Lyrics

Hey there all you wild pretty women where'd you go
Addressing a group of women who were once lively but seem to have disappeared when times got tough.

When the winds would blow hard and the dust would settle low
During hard times when things were uncertain.

Storm is coming in so I guess you better get up and go
A forewarning that things are going to get worse and it's better to leave now than later.

Back to the lonely deserts westward out of Hillsdale, Arizona
A specific location where these women are known to have retreated to, a place that is tough and isolated.

Where the girls will treat you friendly sure but only if you want
Even though these women are friendly, they won't give you anything you don't actively pursue yourself.

Steal a little ride from the riverboat captain tonight
The only way to get out of this town is by any means necessary, even if it means taking a risk or breaking the rules.

Hey there Rose, did you think I'd come all this way in vain
Addressing a woman named Rose who the singer has gone out of his way to see and highlighting that he has made a significant effort to get to her.

The weather's getting hotter but I start to see the light
Things are starting to look up, even though the environment is becoming more difficult to handle.

And I think I might pull over just to stop here for the night
Taking a break and enjoying the little things in life can be important during hard times.

I see her coming up and I know she won't give me a fight
Rose is an easy-going person and won't be difficult to deal with.

And so I start to make my move and splash my face up with some water
Preparing oneself before making a move or taking action is important.

And she tries to blow me off but then it only makes me hotter
Rose is initially hesitant and resistant to the artist's advances, but this only makes him more determined.

Hey there Rose, can you spare some change for the night
Requesting assistance from Rose, even if it's just a small favor, to keep going.

And drive (drive) down to the center of a coal mine town
Going into the heart of a difficult situation or environment.

Wash your face and change your frame of mind
Sometimes it's necessary to take a step back and refocus in order to deal with a tough situation.

And hard (hard) times, you better stow away your nickels and your dimes
During hard times, it's important to conserve resources and plan for the future.

And throw a rope around a big old tree
Metaphor for grabbing onto something secure to stay grounded during turbulent times.

I see her in the rearview as I start to drive away
Watching Rose fade away

While she wipes away the teardrops I thought I heard her say
Rose is emotional and possibly upset by the singer's departure.

"I think I'll be shooting you down if you won't be mine"
Rose isn't willing to wait forever and wants the artist to make a commitment.

So I said darling don't you worry I'll be back your way again
Assuring Rose that he'll return and that their relationship isn't over.

When the sun comes 'round the mountains and the moon comes 'round the bend
A specific time that the artist will return.