Set in a western club, the video begins with a dog-like creature walking in and taking a seat at the bar.
Though the sight of the creature shocks patrons at first, soon both men and women come over to offer it drinks. Not before long, though, all of the creature’s many suitors start fighting with each other in jealousy.
Putting an end to the bottle throwing and brawling, the creature spins in circles in the middle of the dance floor and emits a smell which makes all of the bar patrons dance and have a great time. Meanwhile, Saint Motel’s frontman A/J Jackson, guitarist Aaron Sharp, bassist Dak Lerdamornpong and drummer Greg Erwin can be seen continuing to perform all throughout the video without a hitch.
At the end of the music video — which was written and directed by Jackson, who first met bandmate Sharp while attending film school together in Southern California — the creature can be seen leaving the club with a man and woman while an employee puts up a sign which reads, “Tonight! Diane Mozart,” a reference to their single of the same name.
“We spent a magical day off on tour in Van Horn, Texas, and like the song it inspired, we wanted to incorporate some of that flavor into the music video,” says Jackson. “Complete with bar fights, dancing, music and of course, our irresistible creature, Rudy. This is the first Saint Motel music video I’ve directed since ‘My Type’ and it was fantastic to have the opportunity again.“
- Brianne Tracy
Van Horn
Saint Motel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It chose me, I didn′t choose this city
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Walk right over
You're a ten
I′m a four-leaf lover
Well tell me do you me hate me
It's kinda hard to tell 'cause your eyes are looking crazy
So why you coming over
Anything but sober?
Looking like it′s time tonight
For fight or flight in Van Horn
Well hold it steady
Drill it in like you′re J. Paul Getty
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Smith and Wesson
Taking shots that'll
Keep you guessing
Well tell me do you me hate me
Or do you wanna date me?
It′s kinda hard to tell 'cause your eyes are looking crazy
So why you coming over
Anything but sober?
Looking like it′s time tonight
For fight or flight in Van Horn
Ooh, what you gonna do?
Oh, what you gonna do?
Well tell me do you hate me
Or do you wanna date me?
It's kinda hard to tell ′cause your eyes are looking crazy
So why you coming over
Anything but sober?
Looking like it's time tonight
For fight or flight in Van Horn
Ooh, what you gonna do?
Van Horn
What you gonna do?
The song "Van Horn" by Saint Motel is an energetic and up-tempo track that explores the idea of living life as a thug on the streets of the city. The lyrics describe the singer's situation as one where thug life has more or less chosen them rather than the other way around. The singer makes a comment about how he is a "four-leaf lover" compared to a perfect 10, which creates a sense of unease and insecurity. The chorus asks the listener whether they hate the singer or want to date him, adding that it's difficult to tell because their eyes are "looking crazy."
In the second verse, the singer implores the listener to "drill it in like you're J. Paul Getty," a famous industrialist who founded the Getty Oil company. The reference to this tycoon suggests a level of intensity and fierceness when it comes to the thug life. It is accompanied by the impression of shots being fired from a Smith and Wesson, adding to the sense of danger and risk encountered while "living the life."
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the central question of whether the other person wants to fight or "fly" in Van Horn. The song is evocative of a lifestyle that is intense and dangerous, but also thrilling and full of adrenaline. By posing the question, the song suggests that there may not be a simple answer to what the future holds for those who live life on the edge.
Line by Line Meaning
The thug life baby
Living in a life of danger, violence, and crime.
It chose me, I didn't choose this city
Born and raised in a dangerous city with little choice to escape.
Walk right over
A confident walk, feeling in control and on top.
You're a ten
Addressing a physically attractive person.
I'm a four-leaf lover
Being a lover of things considered lucky or rare.
Well tell me do you hate me, Or do you wanna date me?
Asking whether the person dislikes or is interested in a relationship.
It's kinda hard to tell 'cause your eyes are looking crazy
The person's expression is hard to read due to their intense, unpredictable look.
So why you coming over, Anything but sober?
Asking why the person is approaching while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Looking like it's time tonight, For fight or flight in Van Horn
The situation feels like a dangerous, fight or flight moment in the city of Van Horn.
Well hold it steady, Drill it in like you're J. Paul Getty
Maintain composure and focus despite pressure, referencing billionaire J. Paul Getty's resolve.
Smith and Wesson, Taking shots that'll Keep you guessing
Using a type of gun to scare and intimidate, creating uncertainty about what may happen next.
Ooh, what you gonna do?, Oh, what you gonna do?
Rhetorical questioning about the person's next move or decision.
Van Horn, What you gonna do?
Referring back to the dangerous city of Van Horn and asking what the person intends to do in response to the situation.
Writer(s): Alexander Jackson
Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lanwangji
Saint Motel make amazing music videos that are as fun to watch as the music is to hear. It's no surprise two of them went to film school. Love these guys.
@oatnoid
This song should have a longer version. Its great.
@benroorda826
Who else listens to this song at least 5 times a day
@justtryingtogetthere
YEP
@Joecraftnorris
Who doesn't?
@777pusher
5 times a week- plenty because my playlists are massive!
@kattwinter7177
The thug life baby
@andreaaleonor
Every song of Saint Motel
@zombiecheri
why isn't this more popular this is so good
@user-bp4wl1xc6y
Everyone: fighting
Long haired dog girl: s p i n
Everyone: It's boogie time