Mack the Knife
Mack the Knife: A Tale of Shadows and Intrigue
Lyrics
Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
Referring to the dangerous and cunning nature of a person, metaphorically comparing them to a shark with sharp teeth.
And it shows them pearly white
Highlighting the visible, attractive, and perhaps deceptive aspects of the person, using the metaphor of "pearly white" teeth.
Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe
Introducing the character MacHeath, also known as Mack the Knife, and his weapon, a jackknife.
And he keeps it, ah, out of sight
Suggesting that MacHeath keeps his jackknife hidden, adding an element of mystery or danger.
Ya know when that shark bites with his teeth, babeScarlet billows start to spread
Describing the aftermath of a shark attack, symbolizing the consequences of MacHeath's actions.
Fancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babeSo there's never, never a trace of red
Portraying MacHeath's elegant and cautious demeanor, emphasizing the absence of blood (red) on his gloves.
Now on the sidewalk, huh, huh, whoo sunny morning, un huh
Setting the scene on a sunny morning with the mention of a sidewalk, building an atmosphere for the unfolding events.
Lies a body just oozin' life, eek
Revealing a lifeless body on the sidewalk, suggesting a crime or violence linked to MacHeath.
And someone's sneakin' 'round the corner
Indicating the presence of someone suspicious or stealthy around the corner.
Could that someone be Mack the Knife?
Pondering if the lurking person could be Mack the Knife, hinting at his notorious reputation.
There's a tugboat, huh, huh, down by the river don'tcha know
Introducing a tugboat by the river, adding another element to the narrative.
Where a cement bag's just a'drooppin' on down
Depicting a cement bag dropping, potentially foreshadowing a dark event related to MacHeath.
Oh, that cement is for, just for the weight, dear
Explaining that the cement is for weight, implying sinister motives or criminal activities.
Five'll get ya ten old Macky's back in town
Suggesting that MacHeath is back in town, possibly causing trouble or chaos.
Now d'ja hear 'bout Louie Miller? He disappeared, babeAfter drawin' out all his hard-earned cash
Telling the story of Louie Miller disappearing after withdrawing money, hinting at MacHeath's influence and impact on people.
And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor
Describing MacHeath's extravagant spending, likening him to a sailor.
Could it be our boy's done somethin' rash?
Pondering whether MacHeath has committed a rash or impulsive act.
Now Jenny Diver, ho, ho, yeah, Sukey Tawdry
Listing the names of women (Jenny Diver, Sukey Tawdry, Miss Lotte Lenya, Lucy Brown), associating them with MacHeath's return.
Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy BrownOh, that line forms on the right, babe
Indicating a gathering or a line forming, possibly representing the attention and chaos caused by MacHeath's presence.
Now that Macky's back in town
Reiterating the idea that MacHeath's return is causing a stir or disturbance in the town.
I said Jenny Diver, whoa, Sukey TawdryLook out to Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Repeating the names of women and emphasizing the formation of a line, building on the chaotic atmosphere.
Yes, that line forms on the right, babe
Reiterating the concept of a line forming, underscoring the impact of MacHeath's return.
Now that Macky's back in townLook out, old Macky's back
Warning of MacHeath's return and the potential consequences that may follow.
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