Dillinger
Outlaw's Lament: John Dillinger's Journey Through Desperation
Lyrics
Driving across the Illinois plain
Driving through the flat landscapes of Illinois.
Hard times in '33
Referring to difficult times during the year 1933.
John's got a bottle and he's feeling no pain
John is drinking from a bottle and is numb to his troubles.
Just the usual low down misery
Expressing the common experience of deep sadness.
Hey John don't you think it's a crying shame
Addressing John, questioning the unfairness of losing a farm.
A man lose a farm and he ain't to blame
Stating that losing a farm isn't John's fault.
"They're suckers," says John Dillinger
Quoting John Dillinger dismissing those who took advantage.
It's another bleak November day
Describing a dreary November day.
Can't decide to rain or snow
Indecisive weather, reflecting the uncertainty of the situation.
The money's in the bags and they're getting away
Money is stolen and the thieves are escaping to Chicago.
Heading north to Chicago
Heading north to Chicago, a notorious city at the time.
Big gray buildings, little gray men
Depicting the urban landscape and anonymous individuals.
Have a little fun then we'll do it again
Planning to have fun again despite the hardships.
"All right," says John Dillinger
Quoting John Dillinger approving the plan.
Luther's bleeding from a hole in his side
Describing Luther's injury and doubt about survival.
I don't believe he'll make it through
Expressing skepticism about Luther's chances of survival.
Ruby cradles his head and she starts to cry
Describing Ruby's emotional response to Luther's condition.
Oh God, what can I do?
Helplessness and desperation in the face of a crisis.
I've always been a gangster's girl
Expressing a longstanding association with a criminal.
Don't die and leave me alone in the world
Pleading for the gangster not to die and leave her alone.
"Shut up," says John Dillinger
Quoting John Dillinger instructing Ruby to be quiet.
Across his lap a sub-machine
Describing John's weaponry - a sub-machine gun and a .38 revolver.
Under his arm a .38
Detailing the arsenal John carries.
He's feeling alive, he's feeling mean
John is invigorated and aggressive, filled with hatred.
His yellow eyes are filled with hate
Describing John's intense, hostile gaze.
The papers say he's a Robin Hood
Media portrayal of John as a modern-day Robin Hood.
Mistreated and misunderstood
Highlighting the perception of John as mistreated and misunderstood.
"Fuck'em," says John Dillinger
Quoting John Dillinger expressing disregard for public opinion.
"All right," says John Dillinger
Reiterating John Dillinger's indifference to criticism.
Comment