Lyrics
Now Frankie and Johnny were sweethearts oh Lord how they could love
Frankie and Johnny were deeply in love.
Swore to be true to each other true as the stars above
They promised fidelity to each other, comparing it to the steadfastness of stars.
He was her man but he wasn't doin' her wrong
Although he was her man, he wasn't betraying her.
Non Frankie went down to the corner just for a bucket of beer
Frankie went to the corner for beer.
She said Mr Bartender has my loving Johnny been here
She questions the bartender about Johnny's presence.
He's my man he wouldn't do me wrong
Defending Johnny, claiming he wouldn't betray her.
I don't want to cause you no trouble woman I ain't gonna lie
Bartender denies trouble but mentions Johnny with another woman.
But I saw your lover an hour ago with a girl named Nellie Blie
Frankie is confronted with Johnny's infidelity.
He's your man but he's doin' you wrong
Acknowledges Johnny as her man, but he's unfaithful.
Now Frankie looked over with transom she saw to her surprise
Frankie sees Johnny with Nellie Blie, surprised and hurt.
There on the cab sat Johnny making love to Nellie Blie
Johnny is caught cheating.
He's my man but he's doin' me wrong
Expresses betrayal despite their relationship.
Frankie went back to comoda took out her little 44
Frankie retrieves a gun from her comoda (dresser).
Rutty too-too three times she shot right through that hardwood door
Shoots Johnny through the door, reacting to his infidelity.
Shot her man he was doin' her wrong
Frankie shoots and kills Johnny for betraying her.
Now bring out your rubber tied hearses bring out the rubber tied hatch
Reference to hearses, suggesting multiple deaths due to Frankie's actions.
I'm taken said the man to the graveyard but only six of 'em called him back
Only six of the rubber-tired hearses return, indicating casualties.
He was my man but he done me wrong
Reflects on Johnny's betrayal despite their relationship.
Bring round a thousand policemen bring 'em around today
Call for police to arrest Frankie and take her away.
To lock me down in that dungeon cell and throw that key away
Expresses acceptance of imprisonment for her crime.
I shot my man he was doin' me wrong
Confesses to shooting Johnny due to his betrayal.
Now Frankie she said to the warden what are they goin' to do
Frankie questions the warden about her fate.
The warden he said to Frankie it's the electric chair for you
The warden informs Frankie that she will face the electric chair for her crime.
You shot your man he was doin' you wrong
Frankie's crime is reiterated, emphasizing Johnny's betrayal.
Now this story has no moral this story has no end
The narrative concludes, suggesting the story lacks a moral or resolution.
This story just goes to show that there ain't no good in man
General commentary on the perceived lack of goodness in man.
He was her man but he done her wong
Reiterates Johnny's betrayal despite the tragic outcome.
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