Lyrics
Jack is your neighbor—you see him every day
Jack is a familiar figure in the neighborhood, seen regularly.
(He) picks up his paper and he throws you a wave
He acknowledges others by gesturing or greeting.
An ordinary man—seems like a heck of a guy
He appears like an average, decent person.
An average day in his average life
His life seems routine and typical.
He hugs his kids and he kisses his wife
He displays affection to his family.
Then drives his minivan to his nine-to-five
He follows a regular work schedule.
No one knew a thing 'til they caught him on tape
His true actions were unknown until recorded evidence surfaced.
Breaking into cars at the YMCA
He was caught breaking into cars at a specific location (YMCA).
Chorus:
A chorus questioning Jack's unexpected actions, suggesting people are shocked by his behavior.
Did you hear about Jack?
-Everybody's talking
-It wasn't such a straight and narrow line he was walking
-No one can believe he would ever do a thing like that
-But then you don't know Jack
-There's more to this story that we haven't heard yet
There are undisclosed details to the situation.
But it seems our friend Jack had some gambling debt
It's revealed Jack had significant debts related to gambling.
That got out of hand—and he couldn't pay
His debts escalated beyond his ability to repay.
And his eighty grand a year doesn't cover his bills
His annual income isn't sufficient due to spending on vices.
When he spends it all on prostitutes and pills
He spends money on illegal and addictive behaviors.
But a desperate man is gonna find a way
A desperate person will resort to any means necessary.
A wallet lying on the front seat of a car
He sees an opportunity (a wallet in a car).
Couldn't solve all his problems
Theft won't solve all his problems, but it's a start.
But it's a good start
(Chorus)
Reiteration of the chorus questioning Jack's actions.
Late last night, Jack went for a drive
Jack drives late at night.
He had a revelation down on I-65
He has a significant realization or epiphany while on a specific road (I-65).
He'd be worth more dead
He believes his life insurance payout is more valuable than his existence.
Than he was alive
His worth monetarily is greater in death than in life.
Did you hear about Jack?
Reiteration of the chorus, emphasizing the disbelief about Jack's actions.
It's all over town
-They're not really sure about the way it went down
-No one can believe he would ever do a thing like that
-But then you don't know Jack
-No you don't know Jack
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