Do It Again
Endless Cycle of Redemption: Unraveling Terry Callier's 'Do It Again' Meaning
Lyrics
In the mornin' you go gunnin' for the man who stole your water
In the morning, you seek revenge on the person who stole your water.
And you fire 'til he is done in but they catch you at the border
You shoot at him until he's defeated, but authorities apprehend you at the border.
And the mourners are all singin' as they drag you by your feet
Mourners sing as they drag you, presumably dead, with a sense of irony or detachment.
But the hangman isn't hangin' and they put you on the street
The expected punishment (hanging) doesn't happen, and you are released to the streets.
You go back, Jack, do it again, wheel turnin' 'round and 'round
A cycle begins again; a call to repeat actions despite their consequences.
You go back, Jack, do it again
Reinforcement of the idea of repeating actions despite knowing the outcomes.
When you know she's no high climber then you find your only friend
Realizing a person is not what you thought, and finding solace in a questionable friendship.
In a room with your two-timer, and you're sure you're near the end
In a room with someone unfaithful, feeling close to the end of the relationship.
Then you love a little wild one and she brings you only sorrow
Falling for someone with a wild nature, bringing only pain and regret.
All the time you know she's smilin' you'll be on your knees tomorrow, yeah
Despite knowing the pain, the allure of a deceptive smile keeps you hooked.
You go back, Jack, do it again, wheel turnin' 'round and 'round
The cyclic theme continues, a call to repeat actions despite their toll.
You go back, Jack, do it again
Reiteration of the repetitive nature of returning to the same patterns.
Now you swear and kick and beg us that you're not a gamblin' man
Denying a gambling habit but finding oneself back in a gambling city.
Then you find you're back in Vegas with a handle in your hand
In Vegas again, holding a gambling device, succumbing to the vice.
Your black cards can make you money so you hide them when you're able
Hidden vices can bring wealth, but the need to reveal them in certain situations.
In the land of milk and honey, you must put them on the table
In a prosperous place, one must disclose their hidden flaws or strengths.
You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turnin' 'round and 'round
A repetition of the cycle, emphasizing the inevitability of returning to past actions.
You go back, Jack, do it again
Reinforces the theme of repeating actions despite knowing the likely outcomes.
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