Ho Hey
The Lumineers - The Lumineers Lyrics


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(Ho)
(Hey)
(Ho)
(Hey)

(Ho) I been tryin' to do it right
(Hey) I been livin' a lonely life
(Ho) I been sleepin' here instead
(Hey) I been sleepin' in my bed
(Ho) I been sleepin' in my bed
(Hey)
(Ho)
(Ho) so show me family
(Hey) all the blood that I will bleed
(Ho) I don't know where I belong
(Hey) I don't know where I went wrong
(Ho) but I can write a song
(Hey)

I belong with you, you belong with me
You're my sweetheart
I belong with you, you belong with me
You're my sweet

(Ho)
(Hey) come on, now
(Ho) hey
(Hey)

(Ho) I don't think you're right for him
(Hey) think of what it might've been if we
(Ho) took a bus to Chinatown
(Hey) I'd be standin' on Canal
(Ho) and Bowery
(Hey)
(Ho) she'd be standin' next to me
(Hey)

I belong with you, you belong with me
You're my sweetheart
I belong with you, you belong with me
You're my sweetheart

Love, we need it now
Let's hope for some
'Cause, oh, we're bleedin' out

I belong with you, you belong with me
You're my sweetheart
I belong with you, you belong with me
You're my sweet
(Ho)
(Hey)
(Ho)
(Hey)

Overall Meaning

The Lumineers' hit song Ho Hey is a heartfelt exploration of love, belonging, and loneliness. The lyrics themselves are simple and direct, but the emotion and passion behind them is clear from the opening lines. The song begins with the repetition of "ho" and "hey," providing a catchy and energetic rhythm that symbolizes the ups and downs of life.


The first verse speaks to the trials and tribulations of trying to live a good life, admitting to the loneliness that comes along with it. With the line "I been sleepin' here instead," we see an indication of physical and emotional disconnection. Despite this struggle, the singer longs for family, looking for the comfort of those who share his blood and would be willing to bleed alongside him. The line "I don't know where I belong, I don't know where I went wrong" suggest a sense of confusion and desperation, but the last line of the verse, "but I can write a song," is a hopeful and powerful statement that suggests art and expression can provide solace even in difficult times.


The chorus, "I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart," is simple and impactful, indicating a sense of completion and companionship that the singer craves. The second verse continues this theme, with the singer expressing his belief that he and his love interest are meant to be together despite any external factors. The final lines of the song, "Love, we need it now, let's hope for some, 'cause oh, we're bleedin' out," suggest a sense of urgency and desperation, that love is the only answer when we're hurting and struggling.


Line by Line Meaning

(Ho) I been tryin' to do it right
I have been making an effort to be a better person.


(Hey) I been livin' a lonely life
Despite my efforts to be a better person, I've been feeling isolated and alone.


(Ho) I been sleepin' here instead
I've been sleeping in my present situation rather than making changes to better my life.


(Hey) I been sleepin' in my bed
I have been physically sleeping in my own bed, but feeling emotionally distant from others.


(Ho) so show me family
I am searching for a sense of belonging and acceptance from a group of people who accept me as family.


(Hey) all the blood that I will bleed
I am willing to give my all to this family and be a loyal member despite the challenges I may face.


(Ho) I don't know where I belong
I am puzzled and uncertain about where I fit in and where I should be in life.


(Hey) I don't know where I went wrong
I am not sure where I made mistakes that led me to my current uncertain state of being.


(Ho) but I can write a song
Despite my confusion, I can use music as an outlet to express how I feel and make sense of my situation.


(Hey)
This line is repeated, perhaps to signify that the artist is reflecting or pondering.


(Ho) I belong with you, you belong with me
The singer believes that they and their listener should be together, as they are meant to be soulmates.


(Hey) come on, now
This line is used to convey a sense of urgency or excitement, as if the artist is trying to persuade the listener to come with them.


(Ho) I don't think you're right for him
The singer believes that their listener's current partner is not the right fit for them.


(Hey) think of what it might've been if we
The singer is asking the listener to consider an alternate reality where they are together instead of the listener's current partner.


(Ho) took a bus to Chinatown
The singer imagines a scenario where they and the listener take a spontaneous adventure to a unique place like Chinatown.


(Hey) I'd be standin' on Canal
The listener would find themselves in a new environment, such as Canal Street in Chinatown, with the artist as their guide.


(Ho) and Bowery
Bowery is a street in Manhattan, suggesting that the artist is excited about another new and unique location.


(Hey)
Again, this repeated line seems to act as a moment of reflection, perhaps allowing the listener to consider the scenario.


(Ho) she'd be standin' next to me
In this imaginary scenario, the singer and the listener are standing close to each other, with the singer feeling closer to the listener than ever before.


(Hey)
This repeat line serves as a moment of excitement or anticipation, like the listener is getting ready to say yes to the artist's proposal.


Love, we need it now
The artist expresses a need for love in their life, indicating that love is a crucial aspect of human existence.


Let's hope for some
The artist suggests holding out hope for finding love and better circumstances.


'Cause, oh, we're bleedin' out
The sense of urgency and desperation is reinforced here, with the singer implying that they and the listener are emotionally hurting and in need of healing.


(Ho)
This repeated line acts as a bookend to the song, like bringing the story to a close after the artist has made their case to the listener.


(Hey)
Another repeated line, this one seems to act as a moment for reflection after the urgency and excitement of the chorus has abated.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jeremy Fraites, Wesley Schultz

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@dimhus5923

Most nostalgic songs
ho hey- the Lumineers
Olw city- Fireflies
Avicci- Wake me up
Passenger- Let her go
Gym class heroes- Stereo hearts
American authors- best day of my life
Pibull- Timber
The black eyed peas- I’ve got a feeling
Avicii- Hey brother
Sam smith- Stay with me
Lukas graham- 7 years
Bastille- Pompeii
OneRepublic- Counting Stars
The wanted- Chasing the Sun
Foster the People- Pumped Up Kicks
Phillip Phillips- home
Hall of fame - the script
Radioactive - imagine dragon's
IZ over the rainbow
hall of fame - the script
Hey soul sister - Train
Fun - we are young
Safe and Sound and Geronimo
Somewhere only we know - keane
Smash mouth All Star
George Ezra - Budapest
somebody I used to love
Vance Joy- Riptide
Imagine dragons - It's Time
Kodaline- All I Want
Simple Life by Casey Abrams
Bluebells - young at heart
Stressed out
cheerleader
love me again
GANGNAM STYLE
Repy some nostalgic songs so i can add to the list
Feel Free to cry alittle if you need and or save some to your playlist
Enjoy your nostalgic moments 👍😄



@mojo_joju

6 years ago I tried to take my own life.
I was only 23 at the time, but I was doing a chef apprenticeship and was disillusioned because I had realized I made too many mistakes in my life to turn things around.

Fast forward 6 years, I’d finished that apprenticeship but left the chef life behind, along with the alcoholism and daily self-inflicted injuries like casually slicing my fingers and rubbing salt in them just to keep myself awake.
I can’t say I’m doing any better now, since all my friends are getting married and moving on with their lives, and for me, I’ve barely made it this far.

But someday, I hope I can find out how it feels to be loved, and to be proud of myself.
Not today, but someday.
And if I can do it, you sure as heck can too.



All comments from YouTube:

@MoMusic

what's the name of this song ?

@PlayThatFunkyMusic564

Let her go?

@kickreaper

yeah! I just got recommended to that video! lmao!

@avateraangshoe5025

Baby - Justin Bieber

@CUL8TR

They Don’t Know About Us - One Direction

@imdabossyt1460

pigstep by lena reine

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@popibundle9924

I remember that every time the song said “hey” or “ho” my dog would bark as a puppy. He passed away today and I wanted to listen to it as a memento. There isn’t a song out there that’s made me cry as much as this.

Edit: Thank you everyone for your support! I was out of town when I got the news, but once I got home his brother helped me deal with the loss. We are both alright, but every now and then it's clear that both Popi (my dog) and I both miss our furry little buddy, which is okay. It's important to cherish the moments we have with our companions. Please refrain from arguing about religion, as everyone regardless of their beliefs mourns when someone they care about dies. The existence or nonexistence of an afterlife doesn't change the fact that we are on earth now, and we should enjoy the time we spend with others. 
Stay safe and stay hydrated!

@bloodyveilmasks8736

im sorry for your loss❤

@bessie4036

i legit started crying w this comment it was so cute 🥺 i'm so sorry for ur loss

@rhondaboncutter5812

So so sorry for your loss, lost my Black Lab back in September, he was 14!

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