Harlem River marked the solo debut. Known for his work as the singer/guitarist for the Brooklyn band The Babies and bassist for Woods, the Kansas City native and new Los Angeles resident, calls the record “an homage to New York City,” his adopted home for the past five years.
The Ballad of Arlo Jones
Kevin Morby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's someone you'd never think to talk about
And this is the ballad of Arlo now
He talked so loud he got odd around his mouth
He was wild, he was wild
He was wild, he was wild
One, he was my friend
Three, he was my friend!
Four, he was
Oh, where is Arlo now?
He's down so low that he cannot move around
Oh, but where was Arlo then?
He was drunk, he wasn't fun, he was my friend
He was wild, he was wild
He was wild, he was wild
He was
One, he was my friend
Two, took a bullet to the head
Three, he was my friend!
Four, oh, where is Arlo now?
Five, he was my friend
Six, he got high and ran his mouth
Seven, he was my friend!
Eight, now he cannot move around
Nine, he was my friend
Oh, ten, ten, ten
Oh, ten, ten, ten
Oh, ten, ten, ten!
Oh, ten, ten, ten!
The Ballad of Arlo Jones by Kevin Morby is a song that tells the story of a man named Arlo, who is not someone that people typically talk about. The lyrics mention that Arlo was someone who talked too much and got odd around his mouth. He was described as wild, which can have multiple meanings. Perhaps he was unpredictable or uncontrollable, or he lived a carefree and adventurous life. The lyrics also mention that Arlo was a friend of the singer's, and they say this four times throughout the song. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes that even though Arlo may not have been perfect, he was still deserving of friendship and love.
The song then takes a more somber turn as it is revealed that Arlo took a bullet to the head. The lyrics do not provide any more information on how or why this happened, but it is clear that Arlo is no longer alive. The repetition of the phrase "where is Arlo now" highlights the sadness and confusion that can come with death. The singer then goes on to describe Arlo's downward spiral before his death, saying that he was drunk and not fun to be around. Despite this, the singer still maintains that Arlo was their friend.
Overall, The Ballad of Arlo Jones is a reflection on friendship and the impact that people can have on our lives, even if they are not well-known or have made mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
And this is the ballad of Arlo Jones
The following is a song about a person named Arlo Jones.
He's someone you'd never think to talk about
He is a person who typically goes unnoticed and is not worth mentioning.
And this is the ballad of Arlo now
This song is about Arlo in the present moment.
He talked so loud he got odd around his mouth
Arlo was notorious for talking excessively and nonsensically.
He was wild, he was wild
Arlo had a very erratic and unpredictable personality.
One, he was my friend
Arlo was a friend of the songwriter at some point in time.
Two, took a bullet to the head
Arlo was shot in the head at some point, resulting in his death.
Three, he was my friend!
Despite his flaws, Arlo was still considered a friend by the songwriter.
Four, he was
This line does not add any additional meaning and is likely included simply for rhythm purposes.
Oh, where is Arlo now?
The songwriter wonders about Arlo's whereabouts given his troubled past.
He's down so low that he cannot move around
Arlo is in a bad place, physically or emotionally, that prevents him from functioning properly.
Oh, but where was Arlo then?
The songwriter reflects on a time when Arlo was not in a good place.
He was drunk, he wasn't fun, he was my friend
Arlo struggled with alcohol and was not enjoyable to be around while intoxicated, but the songwriter still considered him a friend.
Five, he was my friend
The songwriter reiterates that Arlo was a friend despite his flaws.
Six, he got high and ran his mouth
Arlo also struggled with drug use and would frequently engage in reckless behavior while under the influence.
Seven, he was my friend!
The songwriter emphasizes once again that Arlo was a friend despite his many issues.
Eight, now he cannot move around
Arlo's current state prevents him from living a normal life.
Nine, he was my friend
The songwriter fondly remembers Arlo as a friend despite his passing and troubled life.
Oh, ten, ten, ten
This line is likely included for rhythmic purposes and does not add additional meaning.
Oh, ten, ten, ten
This line is likely included for rhythmic purposes and does not add additional meaning.
Oh, ten, ten, ten!
This line is likely included for rhythmic purposes and does not add additional meaning.
Oh, ten, ten, ten!
This line is likely included for rhythmic purposes and does not add additional meaning.
Contributed by Mateo H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.