Hey Joe
Hey Joe's Descent: A Ballad of Love, Betrayal, and Escape
Lyrics
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that gun of your hand
Joe is asked about his intentions with the gun he's holding.
Hey Joe, I said where you goin' with that gun in your hand, oh
Reiteration of the inquiry about Joe's destination with the gun.
I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
Joe declares his intention to shoot his partner for infidelity.
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Explains the reason for Joe's decision – catching his partner with another man.
Yeah, I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
Repeats Joe's intention to shoot his partner for infidelity.
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Reiterates the cause – discovering the partner's affair.
Huh! and that ain't cool
Expresses disapproval of the partner's actions.
Huh hey hoe, I heard you shot your mama down
Refers to a rumor about Joe shooting his mother.
You shot her down now
Confirmation of Joe shooting his mother.
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your lady down
Joe is accused of shooting his partner as well.
You shot her down in the ground yeah!
Reaffirms the accusation of Joe shooting his partner.
Yeah!
Expression of agreement or acknowledgment.
Yes, I did, I shot her
Joe admits to shooting his partner.
You know I caught her messin' round messin' round town
Reiterates the reason – discovering the partner's affair.
Huh, yes I did I shot her
Joe confirms shooting his partner for infidelity.
You know I caught my old lady messin' 'round town
Repeats catching his partner in town with another man.
And I gave her the gun
Joe gave the gun to his partner before shooting.
And I shot her
Joe shot his partner.
Alright
Expression of approval or encouragement for Joe to shoot again.
Shoot her one more time again baby!
Encouragement for Joe to shoot his partner once more.
Yeah!
Expression of excitement or approval.
Oh dig it
Encouragement to continue the action enthusiastically.
Oh alright
Expression of agreement or satisfaction.
Hey Joe,
Repetition of the inquiry about Joe's destination.
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Reiterates the question about where Joe plans to run to.
Hey Joe, I said
Repetition of the inquiry about Joe's destination.
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Reiterates the question about where Joe plans to run to.
I'm goin' way down south
Joe states he's going far south, possibly to Mexico.
Way down to Mexico way
Reiterates Joe's intention to go far south, possibly to Mexico.
Alright
Confirmation of Joe's plan to go far south.
I'm goin' way down south
Repeats Joe's intention to go far south where he can be free.
Way down where I can be free
Specifies Joe's desire for freedom in the southern location.
Ain't no one gonna find me
Emphasizes the isolation and freedom Joe seeks.
Ain't no hang-man gonna
Asserts that no one will capture Joe with a noose.
He ain't gonna put a rope around me
Emphasizes Joe's confidence in avoiding capture.
You better believe it right now
Expression of certainty or emphasis on Joe's freedom.
I gotta go now
Joe announces his departure.
Hey, Joe
Repetition of the address to Joe.
You better run on down
Encouragement for Joe to run away.
Goodbye everybody
Joe bids farewell to everyone.
Hey hey Joe
Reiteration of the address to Joe.
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