Kansas City
The New Basement Tapes Lyrics
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While you tell me just what's right
And you tell me a thousand things a day
Then sleep somewhere's else at night
Going back to Kansas City
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
I'm going back to Kansas City
And you call me to come, then I do
And you say you made some mistake
You invite me into your house
And then you say you gotta pay for what you break
Going back to Kansas City
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
I'm going back to Kansas City
Gypsy woman, you know every place I go
Even a thousand miles away from home
And you don't care if I'm asleep or I'm awake
This fickle heart just turn to stone
Going back to Kansas City
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
I'm going back to Kansas City
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
And I love you dear
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
Going back to Kansas City
The lyrics to The New Basement Tapes' song "Kansas City" speak of a complex and tumultuous relationship between two people. The singer is listening to the other person giving advice and guidance, but then realizes that this person is sleeping somewhere else at night, implying infidelity. The singer then expresses frustration at singing the same old song and continuously going back to Kansas City to this person who makes them feel both loved and hurt.
The lyrics of the chorus highlight the singer's inner conflict. They love this person, but wonder how long they can continue singing the same old song- repeating the same cycle of returning to this person despite feeling hurt. The line "Going back to Kansas City" may refer to the idea of returning to familiar patterns, even if they are not healthy, or it could be a literal reference to the city.
Overall, the song seems to be exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the inner turmoil of trying to make a relationship work when it may not be sustainable.
Line by Line Meaning
I listen to you time and time again
I repeatedly listen to you as you dictate what I should do
While you tell me just what's right
You inform me of what is correct and appropriate
And you tell me a thousand things a day
You communicate numerous instructions and opinions without pause
Then sleep somewhere's else at night
You spend the night somewhere other than with me
Going back to Kansas City
I am returning to Kansas City
And I love you dear
I have affection for you, my beloved
But just how long can I keep singing the same old song?
For how much longer can I continue to repeat the same actions and words?
I'm going back to Kansas City
I am departing for Kansas City
And you call me to come, then I do
You summon me to come, and I comply
And you say you made some mistake
You admit to committing an error
You invite me into your house
You welcome me into your residence
And then you say you gotta pay for what you break
Subsequently, you declare that you must face the consequences of your actions
Gypsy woman, you know every place I go
As a gypsy, you are aware of my whereabouts, regardless of my location
Even a thousand miles away from home
Even when I am far from my origin point
And you don't care if I'm asleep or I'm awake
You are indifferent to whether I am sleeping or awake
This fickle heart just turns to stone
My unreliable heart transforms to being cold and unfeeling
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Marcus Oliver Johnston Mumford, Robert Dylan, Taylor Zachary Goldsmith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stars431
I love how emotional Marcus gets when he sings a song. There are a few Mumford and Sons songs he has tears coming down his face. Brilliant musician!
@jsmoker10
I saw that wondered if he was wiping sweat or tears. I love the chorus of this song, It’s so beautiful
@stevebrindle1724
Sweat, not tears, unless i am missing something i see little to be sad about in this song. Move on!
@itunesify
Most likely tears of joy and sadness.
@hnslvn
His face at the end is priceless
@davidboivin6318
It's sweat he brought that up in an interview
@DietScrungo
8 years later, still one of my favorite songs ever
@lalalalala232
Since I discovered this song, I cannot stop playing it over and over! I love everything about it!
@indierockyhockey
Agreed! On repeat so many times! 💚💚💚
@birdyjax3071
Same. Its incredible!! 🖤