Mack the Knife
Mack the Knife: A Tale of Intrigue and Deceit in Jazz
Lyrics
Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
Metaphorical reference to a dangerous person, MacHeath, compared to a shark with menacing teeth
And it shows them pearly white
MacHeath's threatening nature is evident in his smile
Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe
MacHeath's weapon, a jackknife, is hidden from view
And he keeps it, ah, out of sight
He keeps his weapon concealed
Ya know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
When MacHeath strikes, chaos ensues
Scarlet billows start to spread
Violent aftermath of MacHeath's actions depicted by "scarlet billows"
Fancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babe
MacHeath's elegance is shown by his choice of attire
So there's never, never a trace of red
No evidence or trace is left after his crimes
Now on the sidewalk, huh, huh, whoo sunny morning, un huh
Description of a bright, cheerful morning on the sidewalk
Lies a body just oozin' life, eek
A dead body is discovered, oozing life
And someone's sneakin' 'round the corner
Suspicious activity around the crime scene
Could that someone be Mack the Knife?
Wondering if MacHeath could be involved in the crime
There's a tugboat, huh, huh, down by the river dontcha know
Describing a location by the river where shady activities occur
Where a cement bag's just a'drooppin' on down
Illegal actions happening with dropping cement bags
Oh, that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear
The cement is used to hide evidence or bodies
Five'll get ya ten old Macky's back in town
Suggesting MacHeath's return due to criminal activities
Now d'ja hear 'bout Louie Miller? He disappeared, babe
Reference to Louie Miller's disappearance after losing money
After drawin' out all his hard-earned cash
MacHeath spending money recklessly like a sailor, hinting at criminal behavior
And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor
Suspicions about MacHeath's rash actions
Could it be our boy's done somethin' rash?
Questioning if MacHeath committed a reckless act
Now Jenny Diver, ho, ho, yeah, Sukey Tawdry
Names of women associated with MacHeath or his crimes
Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Further mention of women connected to MacHeath
Oh, the line forms on the right, babe
People lining up due to MacHeath's return, indicating his influence
Now that Macky's back in town
Reiteration of MacHeath's return and the impact on people
I said Jenny Diver, whoa, Sukey Tawdry
Repetition of women associated with MacHeath or his crimes
Look out to Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Continued mention of women related to MacHeath
Yes, that line forms on the right, babe
Reiteration of people gathering due to MacHeath's return
Now that Macky's back in town
Reinforcement of the impact of MacHeath's return on people
Look out, old Macky's back!!
Warning about MacHeath's return and its significance
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