Bloodshot
Micky and the Motorcars Lyrics


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Through my bloodshot bourbon I caught her looking dead in the eye
I'm backed off in the corner and ready for the bullets to fly

So when the lights come on and the lines are drawn
And everyone's tail is tall
I got a way of breaking even without even breaking at all

I play it cool, yeah, I play it cool just how you like it
Save the sweet talk 'til we lock the door tonight
I play cool just how you like it
I play it, I play it cool

I overheard somebody talking about somebody else
They were saying some things that they probably ought to keep to themselves
'Cause when the lights come on and the lines are drawn, talk is cheap and small
I got a way of breaking even without even a hand to call

I play it cool, yeah, I play it cool just how you like it
Save the sweet talk 'til we lock the door tonight
I play cool just how you like it
I play it, I play it cool

Well, come on, last call, let's get on the last train home
From the moment I walked in, I knew I wasn't leaving alone
'Cause when the lights are low, the blinds are closed and the shadows are on the wall
I got a way of breaking even without even breaking at all

I play it cool, yeah, I play it cool just how you like it
Save the sweet talk 'til we lock the door tonight
I play cool just how you like it
I play it, yeah, I play it cool




Yeah, I play it, I play it cool
Yeah, I play it, play it, play it, play it, play it cool

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Micky and the Motorcars's song Bloodshot seem to be about a person who is unbothered by the drama and chaos happening around them at a bar. The first verse describes the singer as being drunk and perhaps anticipating some sort of altercation. However, they remain unflappable even in the face of potential danger. In the second verse, they overhear gossip and recognize that talk is "cheap and small." They again mention their ability to "break even without even a hand to call," indicating a self-sufficiency and independence that allows them to handle any situation that may arise.


The chorus seems to be directed at a particular person, perhaps a romantic interest. The singer is playing it "cool," which could mean a few things. It could mean that they are not showing their true emotions or feelings towards this person, or it could mean that they are trying to appeal to their specific taste. They mention "saving sweet talk 'til we lock the door tonight," which suggests that they are biding their time and waiting for the opportune moment to make a move. The last verse seems to imply that the singer has found what they were looking for and is going home with someone. The lyrics mention the "last call" and the singer knowing they weren't going home alone from the start. The line "I got a way of breaking even without even breaking at all" once again implies a sense of control and confidence in their ability to navigate tricky situations.


Overall, Bloodshot seems to be about someone who is able to keep their cool, be independent, and handle whatever life throws at them. They are unbothered by petty drama and are pursuing someone who they believe is worth their attention.


Line by Line Meaning

Through my bloodshot bourbon I caught her looking dead in the eye
Under the influence of alcohol, I made eye contact with her.


I'm backed off in the corner and ready for the bullets to fly
I am feeling trapped and prepared for an adversarial encounter.


So when the lights come on and the lines are drawn And everyone's tail is tall I got a way of breaking even without even breaking at all
In situations where there is tension and confrontation, I have a knack for maintaining my composure and coming out even, without resorting to violence or aggression.


I play it cool, yeah, I play it cool just how you like it Save the sweet talk 'til we lock the door tonight I play cool just how you like it I play it, I play it cool
I am capable of controlling my emotions and presenting myself in a way that is appealing to you. I'll hold off on any romantic gestures until we are in private. I am cool and collected.


I overheard somebody talking about somebody else They were saying some things that they probably ought to keep to themselves 'Cause when the lights come on and the lines are drawn, talk is cheap and small I got a way of breaking even without even a hand to call
I heard gossip that should have been kept private. I understand that talk is cheap and insignificant when it comes down to the wire. Even without help or support, I have a way of handling the situation and coming out unscathed.


Well, come on, last call, let's get on the last train home From the moment I walked in, I knew I wasn't leaving alone 'Cause when the lights are low, the blinds are closed and the shadows are on the wall I got a way of breaking even without even breaking at all
As the night winds down, let's catch the last train home together. As soon as I arrived, I knew I wouldn't be departing alone. In dark and intimate settings, I am able to maintain a sense of parity and balance without having to resort to any drastic measures.


I play it cool, yeah, I play it cool just how you like it Save the sweet talk 'til we lock the door tonight I play cool just how you like it I play it, yeah, I play it cool Yeah, I play it, I play it cool Yeah, I play it, play it, play it, play it, play it cool
Again, I am able to present myself in a way that is attractive to you. I won't get overly emotional or passionate until we are alone. I remain cool and composed, exactly how you like it.




Contributed by Isaiah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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