This Crooked City
The Record Company Lyrics

Mmmmhmmm
The beginning of the song, indicating a mellow, reflective mood

If you need some money
Promise to do whatever it takes to support the loved one

I swear I'll steal millions
Exaggerating the promise to show the intensity of the love and devotion

And take care of you, my darlin'
Reiterating the promise in a more intimate, affectionate way

Ho, ho
A filler phrase to create a rhythm, sound and mood for the song

(Ooh)
Another filler phrase to add expressiveness and interest to the song

My eyes are bloodshot
Physical description of the singer's state of exhaustion or stress

She blushed
The loved one reacted with embarrassment or shyness

Yes, she cared about everything
The loved one was attentive and empathetic to the singer's situation and feelings

Wrong
Something bad happened, unclear what exactly

She took out money
The loved one had some cash, implying she works or saves money too

And counted it
The loved one is practical and meticulous with money management

If God exists
Mentioning God as a way to express hope or despair, or both

(Ooh)
Another filler phrase to add emotion and emphasis

It'll be alright
Expressing optimism or faith that things will eventually improve

Then we shared a couple
The singer and the loved one had a moment of emotional intimacy

Of tears
Both the singer and the loved one felt emotional pain or sadness

And we're here today
Implies the difficult situation is now in the past, they survived it and moved on

To roll
Could have various meanings, e.g. leaving town, starting anew, taking risks, enjoying life

Outta here
Leaving behind the troubles and constraints of the crooked city

On the second date
The backstory of the relationship, which is still relatively new and fresh

(Ah)
A voiced sound to add expression to the song

The sun was handed down
Metaphor for the sun setting or being passed from one generation to another

Sunset like Halloween lights
Comparing the colorful and eerie ambiance of Halloween to the beauty and fragility of sunsets

Over this crooked city
Describing the flaws and dangers of the city, which contrasts with the promise made earlier

Look, baby
Addressing the loved one in an informal and attentive way

Yeah
An affirmative and enthusiastic sound, emphasizing the singer's determination to support and cherish the loved one

Left the dust cloud behind us
Escaping the consequences of bad decisions or toxic environment, moving towards a brighter future

Helpless in the dark
Feeling vulnerable and lost, but still striving to overcome difficulties

I love the black and blue confusion
Finding beauty or meaning in the chaos and struggles of life, embracing both the good and the bad

On the shoulders of a hustler
Revealing the occupation or personality of the singer, who is willing to work hard and take risks to achieve success

A joke, these narrow streets
Commenting on the absurdity or harshness of city life, which is often unfair or cruel

My baby took off with wings
Describing the loved one's transformation or liberation, perhaps metaphorically

She grew horns to clear a pathway
Another metaphor for the loved one's empowerment or assertiveness, taking inspiration from mythology or fantasy

Believe me, woman
Reaffirming the singer's commitment and sincerity to the loved one

(Ooh)
A final filler phrase to add emotion and closure to the song

Lord, baby, I'll take care of you, my darlin'
A final reiteration of the promise made earlier, with a religious reference for emphasis and respect

And take care of you, darlin'
Concluding the song with the same message and tone as the beginning, reaffirming the love and devotion between the singer and the loved one