McKenzie
Houndmouth Lyrics


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McKenzie
I only see you when it's dark out
And these streets grow faces
With lights from bodegas
I used to kiss you on the harbor
Where all the ships roam in
There must be something in the water
That leads to romancing

Here comes the car key throw
Ice on the window
I was aiming to drive you home
Slept on the sofa the night the Hudson froze

McKenzie
I met you when you was a waitress
I can't remember what I said
But I was long-winded
I like how you can make a dollar
Stretch a real long way
I knew you when you got started
At a minimum wage

Here comes the car key throw
Ice on the window
I was aiming to drive you home
Slept on the sofa the night the Hudson froze

Everybody's coming over
To smoke and go nowhere
Once a steady conversation
Just a bunch of hot air
I don't think you listen
I don't think you listen at all
I don't think you listen
I liked you ever since I saw ya

Here comes the car key throw
Ice on the window




I was aiming to drive you home
Slept on the sofa the night the Hudson froze

Overall Meaning

The song "McKenzie" by Houndmouth is about a romantic relationship that takes place in the city. The singer describes how he only sees his love interest at night when the city streets are lit up by the lights from bodegas (small grocery stores). The couple used to share intimate moments by the harbor where the ships roam, and they feel there must be something in the water that leads to romance. The song also describes a moment where the singer tried to drive McKenzie home but ended up falling asleep on the sofa when the Hudson River froze.


The song presents a nostalgic tone and portrays a sense of longing for the past. The lyrics illustrate the beauty of the city at night, but it also touches upon feelings of loneliness and confusion. The singer shares his thoughts about McKenzie, a woman whom he met while she was working as a waitress, and whom he has been attracted to ever since he laid eyes on her. However, throughout the song, he questions whether McKenzie listens to him and whether their love could withstand the challenges of city life.


Line by Line Meaning

I only see you when it's dark out
I have a tendency to only think about you when I feel sad and hopeless.


And these streets grow faces
The city takes on a different appearance at night, making me feel like the world is becoming more alive and active.


With lights from bodegas
The small lights emanating from the corner stores provide glimpses into the lives of others, reminding me of the vibrant energy of the city at night.


I used to kiss you on the harbor
We used to share intimate moments while overlooking the water, under the stars.


Where all the ships roam in
The boats and ships in the harbor served as a metaphor for the endless possibilities of life and adventures that await us.


There must be something in the water
I can't help but feel that there is something magical or special about being close to the water, as it induces feelings of romance and passion.


That leads to romancing
The closeness to the harbor, and the feeling of wonder it brings, often leads to romantic endeavors and a feeling of living in the moment.


I met you when you was a waitress
I first encountered you when you were working at a restaurant, trying to make ends meet.


I can't remember what I said
Although I can't recall the exact words I used, I do remember the way you made me feel and how we connected in that moment.


But I was long-winded
I tend to ramble on and on when I'm trying to express my thoughts and feelings, sometimes to the point of being unproductive.


I like how you can make a dollar
I admire the way you are resourceful and creative when it comes to earning a living, and how you always find a way to make the best of what you have.


Stretch a real long way
You are able to make a little money go a long way, through hard work and frugality.


I knew you when you got started
I have been there since the beginning of your journey, and have seen you work your way up from humble beginnings.


At a minimum wage
You started from the bottom, working long hours for low pay, but you persevered and are now making a better life for yourself.


Everybody's coming over
Everyone is gathering for a social occasion, probably involving drugs or alcohol, but with no clear direction or purpose.


To smoke and go nowhere
The participants are indulging in smoking without any definitive end goal or destination, just wasting time.


Once a steady conversation
There used to be meaningful conversations shared between people, but the atmosphere has now degraded into that of aimless chatter.


Just a bunch of hot air
The conversations lack substance and are just full of empty talking points and opinions, rather than real substance.


I don't think you listen
I feel like you don't pay attention to what others are saying, and are more concerned with your own internal world and narrative.


I don't think you listen at all
I don't believe you take in what others are trying to share with you, and instead stay stuck in your own perspective.


I liked you ever since I saw ya
Since the first time I laid eyes on you, I felt drawn to you and felt a deep connection to your energy and personality.


Here comes the car key throw
I am about to make a move and offer you a ride home.


Ice on the window
The cold winter air has caused the car windows to frost over.


I was aiming to drive you home
My intention is to help get you to where you're going, and make sure you're safe and sound along the way.


Slept on the sofa the night the Hudson froze
I recall spending the night on the couch while the world outside became cold and frozen, making me feel a sense of isolation and loneliness.




Lyrics © Word Collections Publishing
Written by: Matthew Glen Myers, Shane Cody

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@3957b

McKenzie
I only see you when it's dark out
And these streets grow faces
With lights from bodegas
I used to kiss you on the harbor
Where all the ships roam in
There must be something in the water
That leads to romancing

Here comes the car key throw
Ice on the window
I was aiming to drive you home
Slept on the sofa the night the Hudson froze

McKenzie
I met you when you was a waitress
I can't remember what I said
But I was long-winded
I like how you can make a dollar
Stretch a real long way
I knew you when you got started
At a minimum wage

Here comes the car key throw
Ice on the window

I was aiming to drive you home
Slept on the sofa the night the Hudson froze

Everybody's coming over
To smoke and go nowhere
Once a steady conversation
Just a bunch of hot air
I don't think you listen
I don't think you listen at all
I don't think you listen
I liked you ever since I saw ya

Here comes the car key throw
Ice on the window
I was aiming to drive you home
Slept on the sofa the night the Hudson froze



All comments from YouTube:

@lukeramirez5544

as a person who grew up obsessing over 70's rock. this music is timeless and i'm so grateful for houndmouth! keep doing it boys!!

@cratekane

It’s wonderful. All about friends being together and enjoying life and music. Timely and timeless. Thank you xoxo

@scotttee1581

Anyone else in Australia listening to these guys? We need to start pushing for an Australian tour!

@johnnydeano2288

Thanks for developing the Aussie cattle dog— best companion I’ve ever had.

@dnaak

At first I thought the video was boring, then I felt everyone in the video just vibing and it is blissfull

@mackenziecull9592

Great song, even better name hehe

@justinanderson4809

My favorite band pls come to Minnesota soon

@georgebrown4626

As someone who has been starved for new Rock music just like this, I'm so very grateful. I'm just so damn impressed and didn't think a band would ever hit me like this again. Just blown away.

@Max-mk7ub

Amazing song and a fantastic feel-good music video. Well done as usual!

@dawnkavanaugh7321

My absolute favorite!! Saw you guys yesterday. You are awesome 🤩

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