Kansas City
Steve Lawrence Lyrics


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I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
They got a crazy way of loving there
And I'm gonna get me some.

I'll be standing on the corner
On the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine
I'm gonna be standing on the corner
On the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine
With my Kansas City baby
And a bottle of Kansas City wine.

Well I might take a train
I might take a plane, but if I have to walk
I'm gonna get there just the same
I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
They got a crazy way of loving there
And I'm gonna get me some.

I'm gonna pack my clothes
Leave at the break of dawn
I'm gonna pack my clothes
Everybody will be sleeping
Nobody will know where I've gone
Cause if I stay in town
I know I'm gonna die.
Gotta find a friendly city
And that's the reason why,
I'm going to Kansas City
Kansas City here I come




They got a crazy way of loving there
And I'm gonna get me some.

Overall Meaning

In Steve Lawrence's "Kansas City," the singer expresses his excitement to visit Kansas City, a city with a crazy way of loving. He plans to visit the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine with his Kansas City baby and a bottle of Kansas City wine. The singer is determined to reach his destination, whether by train, plane, or on foot, and as he leaves early in the morning unnoticed, he hopes to find a friendly city as he believes that Kansas City is the place where he can quench his desires. All in all, the song paints Kansas City as a dream destination that the singer must visit at any cost because of the irresistible love in the air.


The lyrics of "Kansas City" are rich in cultural sentiment, and it is more of a celebration of the pleasures of life than just a song. Kansas City has a rich history of jazz and blues music, and the song captures the vibrant energy of the city at that time. The song is also an ode to the African American nightclub district in Kansas City, which extended over several blocks in its prime. They provided a platform for the rising jazz and blues artists, and the song represents the city’s tourism, its music legacy, and African American culture.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come
I am excited to go to Kansas City and can't wait to arrive there.


They got a crazy way of loving there
The people of Kansas City are known for having an unconventional way of showing love.


And I'm gonna get me some.
I plan to experience that unique and passionate love for myself.


I'll be standing on the corner
I will be situated on the street corner.


On the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine
Specifically, I will be standing on the Twelfth Street and Vine corner.


With my Kansas City baby
I will be accompanied by my romantic partner from Kansas City.


And a bottle of Kansas City wine.
I will have a bottle of wine that is locally produced in Kansas City.


Well I might take a train
I may choose to travel to Kansas City by train.


I might take a plane, but if I have to walk
Alternatively, I could also travel by plane, but I am determined to get there even if I have to walk.


I'm gonna get there just the same
No matter how I get there, my goal is to reach Kansas City safely.


I'm gonna pack my clothes
I will make sure to pack all the necessary items for my trip.


Leave at the break of dawn
I plan to start my journey early in the morning, just as the sun is rising.


Everybody will be sleeping
While everyone is still resting, I will start my journey.


Nobody will know where I've gone
I will leave without telling anyone, as I do not want any obstacle on my way to Kansas City.


Cause if I stay in town
I don't want to remain in my current location.


I know I'm gonna die.
My current location is not suitable for me, and staying there might kill my spirit.


Gotta find a friendly city
I need to find a city that can match my expectations.


And that's the reason why,
That is the sole reason why I am going to Kansas City.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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