Kansas City
New Basement Tapes Lyrics
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While you tell me just what's right
And you tell me a thousand things a day
Then sleep somewhere's else at night
Going back to Kansas City
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
I'm going back to Kansas City
And you call me to come, then I do
And you say you made some mistake
You invite me into your house
And then you say you gotta pay for what you break
Going back to Kansas City
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
I'm going back to Kansas City
Gypsy woman, you know every place I go
Even a thousand miles away from home
And you don't care if I'm asleep or I'm awake
This fickle heart just turn to stone
Going back to Kansas City
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
I'm going back to Kansas City
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
Going back to Kansas City
The lyrics of New Basement Tapes's "Kansas City" revolve around a complicated relationship where the singer is torn between love and frustration with his lover's inconsistencies. He seems to be caught up in a cycle of being called back by his lover, who then pushes him away, and he's left wondering how long he can continue to sing the same old song. Despite his love for her, he ultimately decides to go back to Kansas City, perhaps to break free from the cycle and start anew.
The first stanza sets the tone for the song, where the singer listens to his lover repeatedly telling him what's right, only to sleep somewhere else at night. He's caught up in a relationship where his lover doesn't seem to be committed to him fully, as evidenced by her pushing him away and then inviting him back. The second stanza repeats the same sentiment, questioning how long he can keep singing the same old song of devotion when there seems to be no reciprocation. The third stanza adds another layer to the relationship by introducing a gypsy woman who seems to know every place the singer goes, highlighting the lack of trust and stability in his life. In the end, he decides to move on and go back to Kansas City, perhaps looking for a new start.
Overall, "Kansas City" is a song about the complexities of relationships, where love and frustration often coexist, and where one must make the difficult decision to move on and start anew.
Line by Line Meaning
I listen to you time and time again
While you tell me just what's right
And you tell me a thousand things a day
Then sleep somewhere's else at night
Going back to Kansas City
I hear you out repeatedly while you constantly try to dictate what is right, giving me an overwhelming amount of information daily, only to abandon me come bedtime. I am returning to Kansas City.
And you call me to come, then I do
And you say you made some mistake
You invite me into your house
And then you say you gotta pay for what you break
Going back to Kansas City
You beckon me to come when it suits you, then reveal some error you made. You welcome me into your home, but then inform me that I must reimburse you for any damages I cause. I am returning to Kansas City.
Gypsy woman, you know every place I go
Even a thousand miles away from home
And you don't care if I'm asleep or I'm awake
This fickle heart just turn to stone
Going back to Kansas City
You, the gypsy woman, know about every location I visit, even if it's thousands of miles away. You show disregard for whether I am awake or asleep, causing my unsteady heart to harden. I am returning to Kansas City.
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
I'm going back to Kansas City
I care for you, my dear, but how much longer can I continue repeating my worn-out message? I care for you, my dear, but how much longer can I keep singing this same old tune? I am returning to Kansas City.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Marcus Oliver Johnston Mumford, Robert Dylan, Taylor Zachary Goldsmith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stars431
I love how emotional Marcus gets when he sings a song. There are a few Mumford and Sons songs he has tears coming down his face. Brilliant musician!
@jsmoker10
I saw that wondered if he was wiping sweat or tears. I love the chorus of this song, It’s so beautiful
@stevebrindle1724
Sweat, not tears, unless i am missing something i see little to be sad about in this song. Move on!
@itunesify
Most likely tears of joy and sadness.
@hnslvn
His face at the end is priceless
@davidboivin6318
It's sweat he brought that up in an interview
@DietScrungo
8 years later, still one of my favorite songs ever
@lalalalala232
Since I discovered this song, I cannot stop playing it over and over! I love everything about it!
@indierockyhockey
Agreed! On repeat so many times! 💚💚💚
@birdyjax3071
Same. Its incredible!! 🖤