Jan Berry and Brian Wilson collaborated on roughly a dozen hits and album cuts for Jan & Dean, including the number one national hit, "Surf City" (1963). Subsequent Top-10 hits for Jan & Dean included "Honolulu Lulu," "Drag City," "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena," and "Dead Man's Curve" -- which became eerily portentous when Berry received severe head injuries in an automobile accident just a short distance from Dead Man's Curve in April 1966.
This accident marked the end of their commercial peak, during which they'd scored an impressive total of 26 chart hits over eight years. The group finally stopped performing after Jan Berry died in March 2004.
Kansas City
Jan & Dean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
They got a crazy way of loving there
And I'm gonna get me some.
I'll be standing on the corner
On the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine
I'm gonna be standing on the corner
With my Kansas City baby
And a bottle of Kansas City wine.
Well I might take a train
I might take a plane, but if I have to walk
I'm gonna get there just the same
I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
They got a crazy way of loving there
And I'm gonna get me some.
I'm gonna pack my clothes
Leave at the break of dawn
I'm gonna pack my clothes
Everybody will be sleeping
Nobody will know where I've gone
Cause if I stay in town
I know I'm gonna die.
Gotta find a friendly city
And that's the reason why,
I'm going to Kansas City
Kansas City here I come
They got a crazy way of loving there
And I'm gonna get me some.
The lyrics to Jan & Dean's song "Kansas City" describe the singer's anticipation and excitement about heading to the titular city, known for its unique approach to love and passion. The song alludes to the idea that the people of Kansas City have a "crazy way of loving" that the singer is eager to experience. This interpretation of the city's reputation is reinforced by the reference to a "bottle of Kansas City wine."
The lyrics also describe the singer's determination to make it to Kansas City, even if it means traveling by train, plane, or foot. This sense of urgency is emphasized by the line, "if I stay in town I know I'm gonna die." To the singer, Kansas City represents a necessary change of scenery, a "friendly city" where he can find what he's looking for. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of excitement, longing, and adventure that comes with the promise of new experiences in a city known for doing things its own way.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
I'm headed straight to Kansas City and nothing's stopping me.
They got a crazy way of loving there
There's some unique and passionate romance happening in Kansas City.
And I'm gonna get me some.
I'm looking forward to experiencing and partaking in that wild love.
I'll be standing on the corner
I'll be waiting on the street corner.
On the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine
Specifically, I'll be waiting on the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine.
With my Kansas City baby
I'll be accompanied by my lover from Kansas City.
And a bottle of Kansas City wine.
We'll be enjoying some local wine as we wait on the corner.
Well I might take a train
I haven't decided if I'll take a train or not.
I might take a plane, but if I have to walk
I'm open to flying or walking if it comes to that.
I'm gonna get there just the same
Regardless of how I travel, I'll get to Kansas City.
I'm gonna pack my clothes
I'm going to prepare and gather my belongings.
Leave at the break of dawn
I'll be starting my journey early in the morning.
Everybody will be sleeping
Since I'm leaving so early, everyone in town will be asleep.
Nobody will know where I've gone
I'm leaving without telling anyone so I can have a fresh start in a new place.
Cause if I stay in town
If I remain in my current location,
I know I'm gonna die.
My current situation is suffocating and depressing to the point where it feels like it could kill me.
Gotta find a friendly city
I need to find a new home that is welcoming and kind.
And that's the reason why,
This is why I'm leaving and headed to Kansas City.
I'm going to Kansas City
I'm traveling to Kansas City.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind