Detroit City Blues
Searching for Redemption in Detroit City Blues
Lyrics
Well I spent my money wisely
Spent money wisely, possibly sarcastic, on the lottery and booze.
On the lottery and booze
Choices made on the lottery and alcohol over spending time with someone.
Yeah, it seemed a better gamble
Viewing the lottery and booze as a better gamble than being with a particular person.
Than another night with you
Expressing a preference for the mentioned vices over the company of a specific individual.
And I know that you can't see, dear
Acknowledging that the actions may not be understood by the mentioned person.
Why I do the things I do
The desire for the "Detroit city blues" is driving the unusual choices made.
But I'm looking for those Detroit city blues
Seeking a certain emotional experience represented by "Detroit city blues."
There ain't no other city
Emphasizing the uniqueness and knowledge of the city in question.
Gonna know the things she knows
Attributing special knowledge or qualities to the city being referenced.
No, there ain't no other city
Reiteration of the distinctive knowledge and connection the city has with its people.
Knows to keep her people close
Highlighting the city's ability to keep its people close and informed.
Through the things that she has been through
Referencing the challenges the city has faced and expressing a desire to emulate its resilience.
I wanna be like her those most
Expressing a strong desire to be like the city in its resilience and strength.
Oh, I'm looking for those Detroit city blues
Continued pursuit of the emotional experience represented by "Detroit city blues."
In a state shaped like a hand
Describing the state's shape and its symbolic connection to crucifixion.
That's been nailed up on the cross
Suggesting a symbolic suffering or sacrifice associated with the state.
Baby, you would understand
Implies understanding if the listener experienced symbolic warning shots.
If you heard the warning shots
Referencing a deeper, troubled aspect within the city's character.
There is something deep inside her
Describing an inner turmoil or conflict within the city.
That is torn and tempest-tossed
Highlighting the city's resilience despite internal conflicts.
But we keep on singing those Detroit city blues
Continued singing of the blues despite internal struggles.
Well the night falls here like clockwork
Describing a predictable nightfall, possibly suggesting routine difficulties.
But the streetlights don't turn on
Highlighting a lack of streetlight illumination in the city.
The only light left flickers
Depicting the remaining light sources as related to liquor and pawn shops.
"Get your liquor here" and "pawn"
Describing the persistence of the city despite challenges and limited resources.
But despite her lamentations
Despite complaints, the city continues to grow and endure.
She still grows and carries on
Enduring and persevering, despite hardships and lamentations.
And we keep on singing those Detroit city blues
Continued singing of the blues as a reflection of the city's resilience.
Yeah, we keep on singing those Detroit city blues
Reiteration of the persistent singing of the Detroit city blues.
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