Otis
Houndmouth Lyrics


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I need some love from a Georgia man
Bang it out in Dawson
Get him then I lost him
Part-time preacher in the traveling band
That sugar on his shoulder

Oh, my Otis, won't you come back down?
On my way but I need a little time
Shook my soul and saved my life
On my way but I need a little time

Sing me up then break my heart
Cigarettes and coffee
Look at the man, he's got me
Big O' Ranch keeps us apart
And that tramp from California





Sugar in the morning, gotta get on up
Listen to the sound and gotta get on up

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Otis" by Houndmouth carry a reminiscing tone, where the singer longs for the love of a Georgia man they dallied with in the past. The initial lines imply that the love interest was found and lost in Dawson, Georgia, and was a part-time preacher in a traveling band. The phrase "sugar on his shoulder" suggests that the man was loaded with charm, attracting people towards him. The mentioning of Otis in the song's title and hook could be an allusion to Otis Redding, a renowned R&B/soul musician known for his raspy voice and emotional performances, who hailed from Georgia.


The chorus declares the singer's desire for Otis to return, but simultaneously acknowledging the need for time to prepare. The line "Shook my soul and saved my life" indicates that Otis had a profound impact on the singer's emotional state. Later in the song, the lyrics describe a complicated relationship between the singer and an individual referred to as "that Tramp from California." Though unclear what the Tramp's role is in the singer's life, their presence keeps the singer and Otis apart. The song concludes with the repeated phrase "Sugar in the morning, gotta get on up," which could symbolize the need to take action and move on.


Line by Line Meaning

I need some love from a Georgia man
I am searching for affection from a man from Georgia


Bang it out in Dawson
Have sex in Dawson


Get him then I lost him
I found and had a relationship with him, but it did not last


Part time preacher in the traveling band
He is a part-time preacher who travels with the band


That sugar on his shoulder
He is carrying some emotional burden


Oh my otis won't you come back down
I miss Otis and want him to return


On my way but I need a little time
I am moving on, but I need some time


Shook my soul and saved my life
The relationship with Otis had a profound impact on me


Sing me up then break my heart
He seduced me and then hurt me emotionally


Cigarettes and coffee
I indulge in cigarettes and coffee


Look at the man he's got me
I am under the man's spell and influence


Big O Ranch keeps us apart
The Big O Ranch is preventing us from being together


And that Tramp from California
There is another woman from California who is causing problems


Sugar in the morning gotta get on up
I need to start my day with a burst of energy


Listen to the sound and gotta get on up
I need to listen to some music and get energized




Lyrics © Word Collections Publishing, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Katie Toupin, Matthew Myers, Shane Cody, William Appleby

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@1970plissken

I can't get enough of this band

@theodorep9569

+1970plissken agreed, been listening to their album 3-4 times a day at work. Great rock transcends borders - Hey Houndmouth come back to Canada soon!

@jacquelinehelencupp6794

I am with you. Dance to them daily

@hotchoclateymilk7790

They're one of those bands you dream of....like the perfect combo I can't believe I found them like I feel like I should keep them all to myself

@tierneyscoblic2313

my feelings exactly! love them!

@raymondufford3518

don't do it though! If you really love them, Tell everyone about them.

@loudhouse-studio

hahahhaa

@LIONFORMERXX0345

Man bands like this need more attention

@craigcottongim931

NPR affiliated radio stations play them often

@kylearola3058

That's how I found them

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