Blues, rock, protest songs all have come from his pen as a writer, and his solo albums reflect his eclectic musical influences such as Patrick Sky.
Hot Night in a Cold Town
John Kay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sonny's out strollingâ?¦ambling slowlyâ?¦awash in amber streetlight
A Mexican wind blows in, breaking the hold Angelenos have on their halos
Motors running muffle all the sound
Street talk about big deals going down
We got another hot night in a cold town
Johnny's got spare change in his pocket
A ring and a watch too hock for a sweet ride
A one way ticket's hidden in his shoe
The last few hours Sonny, he'll spend with you
He's leaving town without a trace
No forwarding address, he'll never have to faceâ?¦
Another hot night in a cold town
Hot night in a cold town
With the movers and the grooversâ?¦cornerboys hanging around
Going in and out the doorwaysâ?¦up and down the stairs
Stray dogs headed for the pound
We got another hot night in a cold town
Hot night in a cold, cold, coldâ?¦cold town
The lyrics of John Kay's song, "Hot Night in a Cold Town," paint a vivid picture of a city at night, bustling with activity and intrigue. The singer describes Sonny, walking through the streets of Los Angeles, illuminated by the amber streetlights. The Mexican wind blowing in seems to disrupt the typically angelic reputation of the city's residents, as rumors circulate about shady deals happening in the background. Despite this, the night is hot, contrasting with the coldness of the city itself.
Johnny is also introduced, with only spare change in his pocket and items to pawn for a quick financial fix. Before he leaves town, Sonny spends his last few hours with Johnny, who is leaving without a trace and without a forwarding address. The song describes the various people on the streets, including the "movers and groovers" and "stray dogs headed for the pound." The night is again described as hot in this cold town, emphasizing the contrast between the temperature and the city's atmosphere.
Line by Line Meaning
Sonny's out strolling…ambling slowly…awash in amber streetlight
Sonny is leisurely walking down the street on a hot summer night bathed in the glow of streetlights
A Mexican wind blows in, breaking the hold Angelenos have on their halos
A wind from Mexico is blowing, disrupting the usual smoggy haze and exposing the true nature of the people of Los Angeles
Motors running muffle all the sound
The noise of cars drowns out everything else
Street talk about big deals going down
Conversations about significant business transactions happening around town
We got another hot night in a cold town
The heat of the night is in contrast with the cool city
It's another hot night in a cold town
Reiteration that it's a hot night in a usually chilly town
Johnny's got spare change in his pocket
Johnny has some extra cash
A ring and a watch too hock for a sweet ride
Johnny has to pawn his ring and watch to afford a cool car
A one way ticket's hidden in his shoe
Johnny is planning to leave town without any intention of returning and has a one-way ticket hidden in his footwear
The last few hours Sonny, he'll spend with you
Sonny is spending his remaining hours with someone
He's leaving town without a trace
Johnny is escaping and will not leave a clue about his departure
No forwarding address, he'll never have to face…
Johnny is glad he won't have to face anyone and will leave without giving out a forwarding address
With the movers and the groovers…cornerboys hanging around
The cool and popular people are loitering around the street, likely up to no good
Going in and out the doorways…up and down the stairs
People are constantly entering and exiting buildings, wandering all around town
Stray dogs headed for the pound
Lonely and abandoned dogs wandering the street are soon going to be taken to the shelter
We got another hot night in a cold town
It's another warm night in the cool and urban neighborhood
Hot night in a cold town
Restating the ongoing plot
Hot night in a cold, cold, cold…cold town
Emphasizing the contrariness between the warmth and coolness of the place
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind