Sugar
Unveiling the Dark Tale of Macheath: Louis Armstrong's "Sugar
Lyrics
Oh, the shark has pretty teeth dear
Describing the shark's teeth as attractive or alluring
And he shows 'em, pearly white
The shark proudly displays its white teeth
Just a jack knife has Macheath dear
Comparing Mack the Knife's weapon, a jack knife, to the shark's teeth
And he keeps it way out of sight
He keeps his weapon hidden or discreet
When that shark bites with his teeth, dear
Describing the consequences when the shark attacks
Scarlet billows they begin to spread
Imagery of blood spreading after the shark bites
Fancy white gloves has Macheath dear
Mack the Knife wears fancy gloves to avoid leaving evidence (blood)
So there's never, never a trace of red
Ensuring there's no blood trace due to his precautions
On the sidewalk, one Sunday morning
Describing a dead body lying on the sidewalk
Lies a body, oozin' life
The body is losing life fluid
Someone's sneaking 'round the corner
Suggesting someone suspicious lurking nearby
Could that someone perhaps, per chance be Mack the Knife
Asking if that person could be Mack the Knife
From a tugboat, on the river going slow
Describing an incident on a river involving a bag of cement
A cement bag is dropping down
Symbolism of using cement to weigh something down
You know that cement is for the weight dear
Implying the cement is used for a nefarious purpose
You can make a large bet Macheath's in town
Assuming Mack the Knife is involved in this suspicious activity
My man Louis Miller, he split the scene babe
Referring to a man named Louis Miller who disappeared after spending his money
After drawing out all the bread from his stash
Suggesting Mack the Knife spends money recklessly like a sailor
Now Macheath spends like a sailor
Wondering if Mack's spending habits led to trouble
Do you suppose this guy, he did something rash
Speculating if Mack did something risky or impulsive due to his spending
Old Satchmo, Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darrin
Mentioning musicians who previously performed this song
They did this song nice, Lady Ella too
Highlighting the different artists who covered the song
They all sang it, with so much feeling
Emphasizing the emotional rendition of the song by various artists
That Old Blue Eyes, he ain't gonna add nothing new
Implying Frank Sinatra won't bring anything new to the song
But with this big, fat band, jumping behind me
Expressing confidence due to the support of a talented band
Swinging hard, Jack, I know I can't lose
Feeling assured of success with the band's energetic performance
When I tell you, all about Mack the Knife babe
Introducing Mack the Knife and offering information about him
It's an offer, you can never refuse
Stating the information provided about Mack the Knife is a compelling offer
We got Patrick Williams, Bill Miller playing that piano
Naming the musicians involved in the performance
And this wonderful, great big band, bringing up the rear
Highlighting the grand presence of the band
All these bad cats, in this band now
Describing the band members as exceptional musicians
They make the greatest sounds, you're ever gonna hear
Emphasizing the exceptional quality of the band's music
Oh Sookie Taudry, Jenny Diver, Polly Peachum, Old Miss Lulu Brown
Mentioning several female characters associated with Mack the Knife
Hey the line forms, on the right dear
Warning that Mack the Knife's return brings trouble
Now that Macheath,that bum is back in town
Advising to take precautions because Mack the Knife is back
You'd better lock your doors, and call the law
Suggesting the need to protect oneself as Mackie is back in town
Because Mackie's back in town
Emphasizing the return of Mack the Knife to the area
Comment