Smackwater Jack
Smackwater Jack's Reckoning: Shotgun Justice Unleashed
Lyrics
Now, Smackwater Jack,
Introduction of the character Smackwater Jack.
He bought a shotgun
Smackwater Jack acquires a shotgun.
'Cause he was in the mood
He's armed and ready for a confrontation.
For a little confrontation.
Desire for conflict or confrontation.
He just a-let it all hang loose;
He acts recklessly without considering consequences.
He didn't think about the noose.
Ignorance or disregard for potential danger.
He couldn't take no more abuse
Unable to tolerate further mistreatment.
So he shot down the congregation.
He shoots a group of people in response.
You can't talk to a man
A warning about communication with an armed person.
With a shotgun in his hand.
Emphasizes the difficulty of reasoning with an armed individual.
Now, Big Jim the chief
Introduction of another character, Big Jim, supporting law and order.
Stood for law and order.
Big Jim stands for maintaining law and order.
He called for the guard to come
Big Jim calls for reinforcement to secure the border.
And surround the border.
Ordering the guards to surround the border.
Now, from his bulldog mouth,
Descriptive detail about Big Jim's determination.
As he led the posse south,
Big Jim leads a group to confront the situation.
Came the cry, "We got to ride
A call to action to clean up the streets.
To clean up the streets
Purpose stated for the sake of wives and daughters.
For our wives and our daughters!"
Blank line, possibly indicating a pause or shift.
You can't talk to a man
Emphasizes the difficulty when understanding is lacking.
When he don't wanna understand.
Repetition of the challenge in communication.
No, no, no, no, no.
Additional emphasis on the communication barrier.
The account of the capture
Details about the capture not being publicly disclosed.
Wasn't in the papers,
The lack of information in the media about the capture.
But you know, they hanged ol' Smack right then
Smackwater Jack is hanged immediately after capture.
Instead of later.
Immediate punishment instead of delayed justice.
You know, the people were quite pleased
The public is satisfied with the capture of the outlaw.
'Cause the outlaw had been seized
Positive response to the seizure of the outlaw.
And on the whole, it was a very good year
Reflection on a successful year for the undertaker.
For the undertaker.
Positive outcome for those in the business of handling the deceased.
You know, you know, you can't talk to a man
Reiterates the challenge of communication with an armed individual.
With a shotgun in his hand.
Repetition of the difficulty in talking to an armed person.
A shotgun in his hand.
Emphasis on the presence of a shotgun in the confrontation.
Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun.
Repetition of Smackwater Jack acquiring a shotgun.
Yeah, Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun.
Confirmation of Smackwater Jack's possession of a shotgun.
Oh, Smackwater Jack, yeah.
Reiteration of Smackwater Jack's name.
Talkin' 'bout Smackwater Jack, yeah.
Repetition of addressing Smackwater Jack.
Talkin' 'bout a-Smackwater Jack, now.
Further repetition and emphasis on Smackwater Jack.
Talkin' 'bout Smack.
Concluding mention of Smack in a shortened form.
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