Old 97's have been heralded as a great live band. They included five live songs as a bonus disc on Satellite Rides, and released a live double CD set recorded at historic Gruene Hall in 2005, Alive and Wired. Singer/guitarist Rhett Miller has released three solo albums and singer/bassist Murry Hammond released his first solo effort in April 2008. Ken Bethea plays lead guitar for the band and playing the drums/singing is Philip Peeples.
For photographs and additional information see the official website, www.Old97s.com.
Wish the Worst
Old 97's Lyrics
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I finished up all of your beer, now I'm startin' on your gin
I went through your diary, flipped through your phone book
Called all your friends, I just wanna know where you been
I just wanna know where you been
I pulled back your sheets, now I'm crawlin' in your bed
Every drink's one more defeat and every footstep hurts my head
I just wanna know where you been, I just wanna know where you been
I hope you crash your momma's car
I hope you pass out in some bar
I hope you catch some kinda flu
Let's say I wish the worst for you
I hope you're happy with yourself
I hope you found somebody else
'Cause I ain't askin' you again
I just wanna know where you been
I just wanna know where you been
Why am I here? I've got better things to do
I could hang out on the pier down by the Hudson, sniffin' glue
I guess I'm a looser, but I like being miserable, swimming in sin
I just wanna know where you been, I just wanna know where you been
I hope you crash your momma's car
I hope you pass out in some bar
I hope you catch some kinda flu
Let's say I wish the worst for you
I hope you're happy with yourself
I hope you found somebody else
'Cause I ain't askin' you again
I just wanna know where you been
I just wanna know where you been
I just wanna know where you been
I just wanna know where you been
The lyrics to Old 97's song "Wish The Worst" describe a person's desperate longing to know where their significant other has been. The singer has gone through their partner's phone book and called all their friends to try and find out, all while drinking their partner's beer and gin. The singer crawls into their bed, feeling defeated with every drink, and states that they don't want to hear any excuses. They just want to know where their partner has been.
The second half of the lyrics take a darker turn, as the singer begins to wish ill on their partner. They hope their partner crashes their mother's car, passes out in a bar, and catches the flu. The singer also states that they hope their partner has found somebody else and that they are happy because they don't want to have to ask again where they've been.
Overall, the lyrics convey a theme of jealousy, desperation, and obsession. The singer's actions show a lack of trust in their partner and a fear of losing them. The second half of the lyrics also suggest that the singer may not truly want to know where their partner has been, but rather just wants to express their anger and frustration.
Line by Line Meaning
Why aren't you here? It's almost 4 a.m.
I am frustrated and upset that you are not here with me at this time.
I finished up all of your beer, now I'm startin' on your gin
I have consumed all of your beer and have now moved onto drinking your gin.
I went through your diary, flipped through your phone book
I have looked through your personal belongings, such as your diary and phone book.
Called all your friends, I just wanna know where you been
I have contacted all of your friends because I am desperate to find out where you have been.
I pulled back your sheets, now I'm crawlin' in your bed
I have gone into your bed, pulling back the sheets to do so.
Every drink's one more defeat and every footstep hurts my head
Drinking more alcohol only adds to my feelings of defeat, and every step I take causes me physical pain.
I don't want excuses, I don't wanna hear that you were out with your friends
I am not interested in hearing excuses, such as you being out with your friends.
I just wanna know where you been, I just wanna know where you been
All I want to know is where you have been and what you have been doing.
I hope you crash your momma's car
I wish bad things upon you, such as you crashing your mother's car.
I hope you pass out in some bar
I also hope that you pass out in a bar.
I hope you catch some kinda flu
Lastly, I hope that you come down with some kind of illness, such as the flu.
Let's say I wish the worst for you
All of these things that I hope happen to you are because I wish the worst for you.
I hope you're happy with yourself
I hope that you are content with your own life.
I hope you found somebody else
I also hope that you have moved on and found someone else.
'Cause I ain't askin' you again
This is my last time asking you to tell me where you have been.
I just wanna know where you been
Again, all I want is to know where you have been and what you have been doing.
Why am I here? I've got better things to do
I am questioning why I am even bothering to deal with this situation when I have other things to do.
I could hang out on the pier down by the Hudson, sniffin' glue
I could be doing something more enjoyable, such as hanging out by the Hudson and sniffing glue.
I guess I'm a looser, but I like being miserable, swimming in sin
I admit that I am a loser, but I enjoy being miserable and indulging in sinful behavior.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KENDALL DEWAYNE BETHEA, MURRAY HAMMOND, PHILIP WAYNE PEEPLES, STEWART RANSOM MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind