It all started a… Read Full Bio ↴Imaginary Cities are Rusty Matyas and Marti Sarbit.
It all started at The Cavern. Winnipeg is known as the “Heart of the Continent.” In this beating heart on the prairies, there is always new music being made: in its clubs and basements, and in between work and life. Imaginary Cities was born in a club called The Cavern, in between sets.
Their debut album, Temporary Resident, has been nominated for the 2011 Polaris Prize Longlist, and they have been gaining fans around the world for their renowned live performances, including a stint opening for the Pixies across North America.
Mexico
Imaginary Cities Lyrics
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I had a flame, but she had a fire
I was bright, but he was much brighter
I was high, but she was the sky
Oh baby, I was bound for Mexico
Oh baby, I was bound to let you go
(Oh)
I don't know much about Cinco de Mayo
But I say I want you, and you don't believe me
You say you want me, but I've got my doubts
Oh baby, I was bound for Mexico
Oh baby, I was bound to let you go
(Oh)
I had a match, but s/he had a lighter
I had a flame, but s/he had a fire
I was bright, but s/he was much brighter
I was high, but s/he was the sky
Oh baby I was bound for Mexico
Oh baby I was bound to let you go
(Oh)
These lyrics are from the song "Mexico" by Imaginary Cities. The song is about a relationship where there is a mismatch of emotions and feelings between the two partners. The first verse describes how one partner may have a little bit of something, but the other has more. For example, "I had a match, but he had a lighter," "I had a flame, but she had a fire." The comparison reiterates that the other partner is an overmatch. The chorus talks about how one of the partners was "bound for Mexico" both literally and figuratively. They were ready to leave the relationship behind for various reasons. It's not clear if "Mexico" refers to a real or a metaphorical place, but it connotes the feeling of leaving something behind and moving on.
The second verse describes how the partner is unsure of their relationship status, and there is doubt creeping in. The line "I don't know much about Cinco de Mayo, I'm never sure what it's all about" refers to the singer's inability to understand their partner's thoughts and feelings. The song ends with the repetition of the first verse and chorus. Imagery of match, lighter, flame, and fire is repeated, reinforcing the idea that the other person is stronger and more powerful, ultimately leading to the singer's desire to leave.
Line by Line Meaning
I had a match, but he had a lighter
I had something to ignite a flame, but the other person had something even more efficient to do the job
I had a flame, but she had a fire
I had a small amount of passion or energy, but the other person had a much greater intensity of emotion
I was bright, but he was much brighter
I had some intelligence or talent, but the other person had far more ability and potential
I was high, but she was the sky
I was feeling elevated and euphoric, but the other person was even more expansive and limitless
Oh baby, I was bound for Mexico
I was determined to escape or move on to a different place or situation
Oh baby, I was bound to let you go
I knew that I had to end the relationship or release my attachment to the other person
I don't know much about Cinco de Mayo
I am not very knowledgeable about a particular holiday or cultural event
I'm never sure what it's all about
I don't understand the significance or meaning of the holiday, despite hearing about it before
But I say I want you, and you don't believe me
I tell the other person that I desire them, but they are skeptical or do not take me seriously
You say you want me, but I've got my doubts
The other person claims to have feelings for me, but I am uncertain or skeptical about their sincerity
Contributed by Muhammad Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.