Lyrics
Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
Describing a dangerous person, "Mack the Knife," with sharp teeth like a shark.
And it shows them pearly whites
Highlighting Mack's menacing and visible weapon (knife).
Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe
Portraying Mack's dangerous possession of a jackknife, usually kept hidden.
And he keeps it out of sight
Emphasizing Mack's secretive nature regarding his weapon.
You know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
Detailing the impact of Mack's attack, causing significant bleeding (metaphorically).
Scarlet billows start to spread
Depicting the aftermath of Mack's violent actions with vivid imagery.
Fancy gloves wears old MacHeath, babe
Highlighting Mack's disguise and sophistication with fancy gloves.
So there's never, never a trace of red
Ensuring there's no visible evidence of the bloodshed due to Mack's careful actions.
Now on the sidewalk, sunny morning
Describing a crime scene on a sunny morning with a lifeless body.
Lies a body just oozin' life
Highlighting the grim aftermath of a violent incident.
And someone's sneakin' 'round the corner
Suggesting suspicion of Mack's presence or involvement.
Could that someone be oh Mack the Knife'
Raising the question if Mack could be responsible for the crime.
There's a tugboat down by the river don'tcha know
Describing a location by the river where suspicious activities occur.
Where a cement bag's just a'droopin' on down
Describing a suspicious package or evidence of illicit activity.
Oh that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear
Explaining the purpose of the cement bag in concealing evidence.
Five'll get ya ten old Mack he's back in town
Suggesting Mack's return to the area.
Now d'ja hear 'bout Louie Miller' He disappeared, babe
Referencing Louie Miller's disappearance after being robbed.
After drawin' out all his hard-earned cash
Implying Mack's extravagant spending after Louie's disappearance.
And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor
Suspecting Mack's involvement in Louie's disappearance.
Could it be our boy's done somethin' rash'
Questioning Mack's potentially impulsive actions.
Now Jenny Diver, Sukey Tawdry
Listing names of women possibly affected by Mack's actions.
Oooh Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Referencing various women affected by Mack's influence or crimes.
Oh the line forms on the right, babe
Indicating the forming of a queue due to Mack's return.
Now that Macky's back in town.
Highlighting the impact of Mack's return on the community.
Aah I said Jenny Diver, Sukey Tawdry
Reiterating names of affected women.
Look out to Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Emphasizing the significance of these women in Mack's life.
Yes, that line forms on the right, babe
Reiterating the formation of a queue due to Mack's return.
Now that Macky's back in town
Reinforcing the impact of Mack's return on the community.
Look out old Macky is back
Warning about Mack's return and the potential consequences.
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