Streets of Laredo are a seven-piece indie folk outfit formed by siblings Da… Read Full Bio ↴Streets of Laredo are a seven-piece indie folk outfit formed by siblings Daniel, Dave, and Sarahjane Gibson in Auckland, New Zealand. After playing just one hometown show, the Gibsons took a leap of faith and in 2012 they relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where they expanded their lineup to include fellow Kiwi Thom Darlow and local Brooklyners Sean McMahon and Andrew McGovern. Straddling the ever blurring lines between indie folk and pop, they rely on big group harmonies and an Americana-inspired sound full of stomping percussion, acoustic and electric guitars, harmonica, horns, and other assorted instruments, putting them in a similar league with acts like Edward Sharpe, the Delta Spirit, and the Lumineers. A trip back to Auckland yielded a pair of EPs that they released in 2014, packaged together under the title Volume I & II. ~ Timothy Monger, Rovi

Doesn't Even Bother Me
Streets of Laredo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There′s a rhythm in the air and I can feel it in my feet
I can see them play dice in the alleyways as I'm walking down the street
I′m living on the line, keep moving all the time
I can see the smoke rising on the highways but I don't even mind

Falling out of all the circles that are supposed to be
(Doesn't even bother me)
Doesn′t even bother me

(Doesn′t even bother me)
Giving it away

Flying over city lights that tell me where I should be
(Doesn't even bother me)
Doesn′t even bother me
(Doesn't even bother me)
Look the other way

I′m spinning on a dime, going where I please
I can feel the air change on the L train as we go under the sea
There's color in my cheeks, I′m tripping on the line
I can feel the breeze blowing in the window, airing out my mind

Falling out of all the circles that are supposed to be
(Doesn't even bother me)
Doesn't even bother me
(Doesn′t even bother me)
Giving it away

Flying over city lights that tell me where I should be
(Doesn′t even bother me)
Doesn't even bother me
(Doesn′t even bother me)
Look the other way

Find a way that brings me closer to my family, yeah
(Doesn't even bother me)
Doesn′t even bother me
(Doesn't even bother me)
Look the other way

Looking down at the stars tonight everything′s gonna be alright
If I could be on your mind tonight, you can be on mine

Falling out of all the circles that are supposed to be
(Doesn't even bother me)
Doesn't even bother me
(Doesn′t even bother me)
Giving it away

Flying over city lights that tell me where I should be
(Doesn′t even bother me)
Doesn't even bother me
(Doesn′t even bother me)
Look the other way

Find a way that brings me closer to my family, yeah
(Doesn't even bother me)
Doesn′t even bother me
(Doesn't even bother me)
Giving it away

Doesn′t even bother me, if we stay
(Doesn't even bother me)
Or if we leave
(Doesn't even bother me)
Doesn′t even bother me

Or we could leave

(Doesn′t even bother me)
Doesn't even bother me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Doesn't Even Bother Me" by Streets of Laredo speak of a sense of freedom and detachment from the expectations and pressures of society. The first verse describes the rhythmic energy that the singer feels as they walk down the streets, observing the mundane activities of the ordinary people around them. They are living "on the line" and constantly moving, yet they take pleasure in the simple things, like seeing smoke rise on the highways. The second verse describes another kind of detachment - the singer is "flying over city lights" and purposely ignoring the pressures they feel to conform to societal norms. The chorus sums up their attitude of indifference, repeating the phrase "Doesn't even bother me" as they reject the circles they have fallen out of and the city lights that dictate where they should be.

The third verse implies a desire for connection, as the singer seeks a way to be closer to their family. However, their desire for connection doesn't come with any attachment or expectations - they would be just as content if they, or others, stayed or left. The final line suggests a sense of friendship and support, as they think of someone who might be thinking of them at the same time.

Overall, the song evokes a sense of independence and resilience, as the singer remains unbothered by the pressures and expectations that come with modern society. They embrace the freedom to move and to make their own choices, even as they seek a sense of connection with the people they care about.

Line by Line Meaning

There's a rhythm in the air and I can feel it in my feet
I sense a beat in the surroundings, and it's making me move

I can see them play dice in the alleyways as I'm walking down the street
I notice people gambling in the narrow passageways as I stroll along

I'm living on the line, keep moving all the time
I'm constantly pushing forward, always on the verge of risk and reward

I can see the smoke rising on the highways but I don't even mind
I observe the fumes ascending on the roads, but they don't bother me

Falling out of all the circles that are supposed to be (Doesn't even bother me)
I'm drifting away from expected social groups, but it doesn't faze me

Doesn't even bother me (Doesn't even bother me)
It doesn't affect me negatively at all

Giving it away
I'm surrendering my attachment to societal expectations

Flying over city lights that tell me where I should be (Doesn't even bother me)
I'm soaring past urban illumination that tries to guide me, but it doesn't stress me out

Look the other way
I'm deliberately choosing to ignore those pressures

I'm spinning on a dime, going where I please
I'm agile and in control, doing what I want

I can feel the air change on the L train as we go under the sea
I'm experiencing a shift in atmosphere as I travel through the underwater tunnel on the train

There's color in my cheeks, I'm tripping on the line
My life is vibrant and thrilling, always on the verge of danger

I can feel the breeze blowing in the window, airing out my mind
The wind rushing through the open window helps clear my thoughts

Find a way that brings me closer to my family, yeah
I'm seeking a method to become closer with my loved ones

Looking down at the stars tonight everything's gonna be alright
Gazing up at the constellations, I'm reassured that everything will work out

If I could be on your mind tonight, you can be on mine
I'm hoping to occupy someone's thoughts just as much as they're occupying mine

Doesn't even bother me, if we stay (Doesn't even bother me)
I don't mind if we remain where we are

Or if we leave (Doesn't even bother me)
It doesn't concern me whether we depart or not

Or we could leave (Doesn't even bother me)
Alternatively, we could exit without it affecting me at all

Writer(s): David Matthew Gibson, Cameron John Deyell, Daniel Gibson, Sarah Gibson

Contributed by Grace K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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