Hang Me Up to Dry

Cold War Kids

About Hang Me Up to Dry

"Hang Me Up to Dry" is a song by American indie rock band Cold War Kids. Written and co-produced by all four band members and Matt Wignall, it originally came from their third EP Up in Rags (2006) and is the second track off their debut album Robbers & Cowards (2006). Lyrically, the song tells a story of a 'one-sided relationship' and uses the action of hanging wet clothes on a clothesline as a metaphor for the relationship. It was released as a single on January 29, 2007 by Downtown and V2 Records, charting at number 57 in the UK and number 26 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. The song was re-released (using the same catalogue number and track listing) on July 9, 2007 but failed to break back into the charts. An accompanying music video for the song was directed by The Malloys and plays out like a trailer for an avant-garde film. 


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Careless in our summer clothes splashing around
In the muck and the mire
Careless in our summer clothes splashing around
In the muck and the mire

Fell asleep with stains
Cake deep in the knees
What a pain

Now hang me up to dry
You wrung me out
Too, too, too many times
Now hang me up to dry
I'm pearly like the whites
The whites of your eyes

All mixed up in the wash
Hot water bleeding our colors
All mixed up in the wash
Hot water bleeding our colors

Now hang me up to dry
You wrung me out
Too, too, too many times
Now hang me up to dry
I'm pearly like the whites
The whites of your eyes

Now hang me up to dry
You wrung me out
Too, too, too many times
Now hang me up to dry
I'm pearly like the whites
The whites of your eyes

Now hang me up to dry
You wrung me out
Too, too, too many times
Now hang me up to dry
I'm pearly like the whites
The whites of your eyes

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Cold War Kids

Cold War Kids are an American indie rock band from Long Beach, California. Band members are Nathan Willett (vocals, piano, guitar), Dann Gallucci, Matt Maust (bass guitar), and Matt Aveiro (drums, percussion). Jonnie Russell was previously with the band (guitar, vocals, keyboards). more »

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Written by: JONATHAN BO RUSSELL, MATTHEW COLE AVEIRO, MATTHEW SCOTT MAUST, NATHAN ANDREW WILLETT

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"Hang Me Up to Dry" is a song by American indie rock band Cold War Kids. It was released as the lead single of their debut studio album “Robbers & Cowards” in early 2007.
Chart Success
The song reached number 26 on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart, and it peaked at number 57 on the UK Singles Chart, making it one of their biggest hits.
Composition
This song is noted for its distinctive blues-rock sound with a prominent bass line and strong, emotive vocals, which has often been likened to the style of The White Stripes or Kings of Leon.
Influences
Cold War Kids have mentioned that the band's influences while creating songs like "Hang Me Up to Dry" include Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Nick Cave, and Johnny Cash.
Lyrics
The song lyrics are often interpreted as a story about a toxic relationship, with the repeated phrase "Hang me up to dry" metaphorically depicting a person left alone to deal with their problems.
Live Performances
"Hang Me Up to Dry" is a staple in the band's live performances and is typically met with high crowd energy and engagement.
Music Video
The official music video for the song features the band members performing in what appears to be a basement, interspersed with weird and abstract imagery, reflecting the raw and unsettling emotional tone of the song.
Critical Acclaim
The song was received well critically, often being praised for its unique mix of indie rock and southern or blues-y influences.
Success Catalyst
"Hang Me Up To Dry" is believed to have been catalyst for the success of Cold War Kids, helping to establish their unique musical identity.
Pop Culture Appearance
The song has been used in several popular television shows, including the American series "90210" and the Canadian series "Being Erica", thus expanding its accessibility and audience.

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