Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)

John Mellencamp

About Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)

"Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)" is a 1996 song by American rock musician John Mellencamp. It was released as the first single from his 14th studio album, Mr. Happy Go Lucky, and peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it his final top-forty hit in the US. It also peaked at number four on the Billboard Adult Top 40 and number 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. In Australia and New Zealand, the song became Mellencamp's final hit in both countries, reaching number 21 in Australia and number 35 in New Zealand. In Canada, it gave Mellencamp his fourth number-one single on the RPM Top Singles chart, staying at number one for five weeks, and his success would continue in Canada for a few more years. The song's music video features American actor Matthew McConaughey. Mellencamp told Sirius radio in 2008 that "Key West Intermezzo" was co-writer George Green's take on The Great Gatsby. "The big, long yellow car gave it away," Mellencamp said. 


Year:
2004
4:54
19 

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

In a hand painted night, me and Gypsy Scotty are partners
At the Hotel Flamingo, wearin black market shoes
This loud Cuban band is crucifying John Lennon
No one wants to be lonely, no one wants to sing the blues

She's perched like a parrot on his tuxedo shoulder
Christ, what's she doing with him she could be dancing with me
She stirs the ice in her glass with her elegant finger
I want to be what she's drinking, yeah I just want to be

I saw you first
I'm the first one tonight
I saw you first
Don't that give me the right
To move around in your heart
Everyone was lookin
But I saw you first

On a moon spattered road in her parrot rebozo
Gypsy Scotty is driving his big long yellow car
She flies like a bird over his shoulder
Se whispers in his ear, boy, you are my star

But I saw you first
I'm the first one tonight
Yes I saw you first
Don't that give me the right
To move around in your heart
Everyone was lookin'

In the bone colored dawn, me and Gypsy Scotty are singin'
The radio is playin, she left her shoes out in the back
He tells me a story about some girl he knows in Kentucky
He just made that story up, there ain't no girl like that

But I saw you first
I'm the first one tonight
Yes I saw you first
Don't that give me the right
To move around in your heart
Everyone was lookin
But I saw you first
I saw you first

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp (born October 7, 1951) is an American rock singer-songwriter, musician, painter and occasional actor known for his catchy, populist brand of heartland rock which emphasizes traditional instrumentation. He has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and has amassed 22 Top 40 hits in the United States. In addition, he holds the record for the most tracks by a solo artist to hit number-one on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, with seven, and has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, winning one. His latest album, No Better Than This, was released on August 17, 2010 to widespread critical acclaim. more »

4 fans

Written by: GEORGE MICHAEL GREEN, JOHN MELLENCAMP

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Musical Style
"Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)" has a distinct musical style that sets it apart from many of John Mellencamp's other songs. It heavily features key Western influences and elements of rock, and combines these with references to folk music.
Song Inspiration
John Mellencamp was inspired to write the song while vacationing in Key West, Florida. He said he spotted a woman in a restaurant who ignited his imagination and the idea of the song was born.
Chart Success
The song did quite well on the music charts. It peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Mellencamp's last top 40 hit to date.
Album Contribution
"Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)" is a track from Mellencamp's 1996 album "Mr. Happy Go Lucky." The album marked a departure from Mellencamp's earlier rock sound, introducing elements of funk and experimental music.
Unique Time Signature
The song features a time signature that's not common in pop music, a 6/4 time signature, contributing to its distinct rhythmic feel.
Music Video
The music video for this song starred model Elaine Irwin who, at that time, was John Mellencamp's wife. The video incorporates a dance sequence, which is intended to reflect the melody and rhythm of the song.
Release and Reception
The song was released as a single in 1996 and is often considered one of Mellencamp's standout tracks. It's generally well-received by critics, with many praising its evocative lyrics and unique musical style.
Grammy Nomination
The success of "Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)" helped the album "Mr. Happy Go Lucky" receive a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1997.
Mellencamp's Favorites
Mellencamp has said in interviews that "Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)" is one of his favorite songs from his entire discography.
Mellencamp's Evolution
"Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)" marked a significant evolution in Mellencamp's songwriting and musical style. It offered a more mature sound compared to his previous works and represented Mellencamp's musical growth over the years.

Discuss the Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First) Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27204472/John+Mellencamp/Key+West+Intermezzo+%28I+Saw+You+First%29>.

    Missing lyrics by John Mellencamp?

    Know any other songs by John Mellencamp? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)

    1.5M
    5,610     331

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1996

    Billboard #14


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is the highest-selling single of all time?
    A What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
    B White Christmas by Bing Crosby
    C Unforgettable by Nat King Cole
    D White Christmas by Frank Sinatra

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    John Mellencamp tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!