I Hate You
Rhythmaires Lyrics


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Well, well, well, look who's here.
I haven't seen you in many a year.
If I knew you were comin' I'd 've baked a cake,
baked a cake, baked a cake.
If I knew you were comin' I'd 've baked a cake.
How-ja do. How-ja do, How-ja do.

Had you dropped me a letter I'd 've hired a band,
grandest band in the land.
Had you dropped me a letter I'd 've hired a band
and spread the welcome mat for you.

Now I don't know where you came from
'cause I don't know where you've been.
But it really doesn't matter
grab a chair and fill your platter
and dig dig dig right in.

If I knew you were comin' I'd 've baked a cake,
hired a band, goodness sake.
If I knew you were comin' I'd 've baked a cake.
How-ja do. How-ja do. How-ja do.

If I knew you were comin' I'd 've baked a cake,
baked a cake, baked a cake.
If I knew you were comin' I'd 've baked a cake.
How-ja do. How-ja do, How-ja do.

Had you dropped me a letter I'd 've hired a hall,
great big hall, band and all.
Had you dropped me a letter I'd 've hired a hall
and spread the welcome mat for you.

Now I don't know where you came from
'cause I don't know where you've been.
But it really doesn't matter
grab a chair and fill your platter
and dig dig dig right in.

If I knew you were comin' I'd 've kept the pot,
coffee pot nice and hot.




If I knew you were comin' I'd 've baked a cake.
How-ja do. How-ja do. How-ja do.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Rhythmaires's song "I Hate You" may seem confusing at first glance because of their playful nature, but they actually reveal a deeper meaning upon further examination. The repeated refrain of "If I knew you were coming, I'd have baked a cake" and the various scenarios that follow suggest a theme of missed opportunities and regret. The singer of the song is expressing their disappointment at not being given advance notice of their guest's arrival, as they would have taken great care to make them feel welcome and appreciated. This sentiment is underlined by the line "Had you dropped me a letter I'd 've hired a band, grandest band in the land," which highlights the difference between the warm welcome that could have been offered if the singer had been given notice and the missed opportunity that has resulted from the unexpected visit.


However, the lyrics also reveal a sense of resignation as the singer acknowledges that it doesn't ultimately matter where their guest has been or where they came from, as they are still welcome at the singer's table to "dig dig dig right in." This implied forgiveness embodies the complexity of human relationships, which can contain both regret and acceptance.


Overall, the lyrics to "I Hate You" may seem light-hearted on the surface, but they reveal a subtle and nuanced approach to themes of regret, missed opportunities, and forgiveness.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, well, well, look who's here.
Oh, look who decided to show up after all these years.


I haven't seen you in many a year.
It's been a while since we've seen each other.


If I knew you were comin' I'd 've baked a cake, baked a cake, baked a cake.
If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared something special to celebrate your visit.


How-ja do. How-ja do, How-ja do.
How are you doing? How have you been?


Had you dropped me a letter I'd 've hired a band, grandest band in the land.
If you had notified me in advance, I would have planned a grand reception with live music.


and spread the welcome mat for you.
I would have made sure everything was ready for your arrival and welcomed you with open arms.


Now I don't know where you came from cause I don't know where you've been.
I'm not sure where you've been all this time or what you've been up to.


But it really doesn't matter grab a chair and fill your platter and dig dig dig right in.
But it doesn't matter now, please take a seat, help yourself to some food, and enjoy the moment.


hired a band, goodness sake.
I would have gone the extra mile to make sure you had a good time.


Had you dropped me a letter I'd 've hired a hall, great big hall, band and all.
If you had given me a heads up in advance, I would have booked a spacious venue with a band for you.


If I knew you were comin' I'd 've kept the pot, coffee pot nice and hot.
If I had known you were coming, I would have kept some coffee ready for you to enjoy.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., MUSIC & MEDIA INT'L, INC.
Written by: AL HOFFMAN, BOB MERRILL, CLEM WATTS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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