Let Me In
The Bourbons Lyrics

The lyrics to The Bourbons's song "Let me in" tell a story about a close-knit friendship between two individuals who have been inseparable since 1996. They describe themselves as punk rock kids from West Orange, implying that they were part of a rebellious subculture that set them apart from others. Despite their rebelliousness, they also mention losing their innocence, indicating a coming-of-age experience.

The lyrics mention engaging in typical teenage mischief, such as stealing cigarettes and beer from someone's dad for the weekend. They also reveal a shared attraction to the same girls, which suggests a competitive dynamic in their friendship. The line "we moved out to So-Cal as soon as we could" indicates that they left their hometown to pursue their dreams in Southern California, a place known for its vibrant music scene.

The lyrics suggest that while others in Southern California conform to societal expectations, the two friends always knew they would have the last laugh. This can be interpreted as a sense of confidence in their abilities and a belief that they will succeed on their own terms. However, the line "Then you, you shot me in my back" introduces a sudden betrayal or disappointment, causing a rupture in their friendship.

The next verse continues to describe their shared experiences, such as painting highways at night and getting into fights. Although they face dangerous situations, they manage to survive and wonder when their luck will run out. The repetition of the line "Then you, you shot me in my back" suggests a cycle of betrayal, with both friends taking turns hurting each other.

Despite these betrayals, the lyrics emphasize the deep bond between the friends, portraying them as brothers bound by blood and tattooed skin. They acknowledge that they don't know if they will ever talk again, indicating a fractured and uncertain future for their relationship. The mention of raising a glass with one last Jameson suggests a toast to their shared history and the acknowledgement that their friendship may be coming to an end.

In the final lines, the perspective shifts as the singer admits to shooting the other friend in the back. This implies a mirror image of the previous betrayal, perhaps suggesting that the cycle of hurt and loyalty is a characteristic trait of their relationship. The lyrics leave the listeners with a sense of unresolved tension and unanswered questions about the future of their friendship.