Cleveland Ohio
The Gadjits Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't wanna stay here, I don't wanna stay
I'd rather be on the road with my band, makin' our way
Well it's been seven days and six shows
Before we got the shaft down in Cleveland, Ohio
Losing lots of money and we're losing our minds
We better get to the next show in plenty of time
On the road so long and the noise so loud
I'm missing all my friends that made me feel so proud

(chorus)
Cleveland, Ohio
Well I been through states and this is one hell of a town
I'll stay awhile, while the drinks are free and that's good enough for me

I really wanna play here, I wanna play this here guitar
You know I really want to stay here, I wanna show you what I'm all about
I want to rock and roll and drink 'til the break of dawn
I didn't drive a thousand miles to sulk and have no fun
Fuck that hotel room, I'll break the TV
We came here for music and when we get it, we're gonna leave





(chorus)

Overall Meaning

The Gadjits's song "Cleveland Ohio" is a straightforward expression of a touring band's frustration and struggle, as well as a tribute to the resilience of musicians on the road. The lyrics speak of the singer's desire to get back on tour with his band, getting away from Cleveland after an unsuccessful show. The first verse details the hardships of touring: long days and nights on the road, often losing money, and missing the comfort of home and friends. Despite this, the singer's passion for music and performing is unwavering, as he sings that he wants to "rock and roll and drink" until dawn. The second verse continues this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of music over any obstacles, including a less-than-desirable hotel room in Cleveland.


The chorus expresses mixed feelings about Cleveland. While the city may not have been the band's favorite stop on the tour, the drinks are free and that's enough to keep them there for awhile. The repetition of the city's name in the chorus serves to both anchor the song's narrative and highlight the city's significance within the context of the tour.


Overall, "Cleveland Ohio" is a simple, honest depiction of the joys and trials of being in a touring band, with its catchy chorus adding a touch of humor and levity to the overall message.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't wanna stay here, I don't wanna stay
I want to be on the road playing music with my band instead of staying in one place.


I'd rather be on the road with my band, makin' our way
I prefer traveling and performing with my band instead of being stationary.


Well it's been seven days and six shows
We have performed six shows in seven days.


Before we got the shaft down in Cleveland, Ohio
We were treated unfairly in Cleveland, Ohio.


Losing lots of money and we're losing our minds
We are experiencing financial loss and emotional strain due to our experiences.


We better get to the next show in plenty of time
We need to ensure we arrive at the next show on time.


On the road so long and the noise so loud
The long time on the road and the loud music is taking a toll.


I'm missing all my friends that made me feel so proud
I am nostalgic for my friends who supported me and made me feel accomplished.


Cleveland, Ohio
Reference to the location we are currently in.


Well I been through states and this is one hell of a town
I have traveled through a lot of places, but this town stands out (negatively).


I'll stay awhile, while the drinks are free and that's good enough for me
I will stay in Cleveland as long as the drinks are free, as that is the only appealing aspect for me.


I really wanna play here, I wanna play this here guitar
I have a strong desire to perform in this location with my guitar.


You know I really want to stay here, I wanna show you what I'm all about
I am motivated to stay in Cleveland so that I can show my talent and potential in a live performance.


I want to rock and roll and drink 'til the break of dawn
I want to party and enjoy the rock and roll lifestyle until dawn.


I didn't drive a thousand miles to sulk and have no fun
I didn't travel a long distance just to have a miserable time.


Fuck that hotel room, I'll break the TV
I am fed up with my current situation and may act out in frustration.


We came here for music and when we get it, we're gonna leave
Our primary goal for being in Cleveland is to perform and as soon as we are done, we will leave the town.




Contributed by Avery H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Justin Dacke

Wish I knew what happened to this band they were so great from the late 90s to early 2000s.

stpauli1981

Great track! dude my cd of this album is dead! any chance you can upload the jenny jones song or thinkin about you

Steven Johnson

effervecent

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