That's Killer Joe
Killer Joe: Tale of Seduction and Betrayal
Lyrics
This here's the story about Killer Joe
This is the introduction to the story of Killer Joe.
He's a real bad cat, 'forget I told you so
Killer Joe is a truly bad character, and the listener is advised not to doubt this.
Silk on the corners of his fancy threads
Describes Killer Joe's luxurious clothing with silk on the corners and a double-breasted pinstripe coat.
Double breasted pin stripe coat top press
Highlights the meticulousness of Joe's appearance, focusing on his well-pressed coat.
Fast talkin' good looking flim flam jive
Describes Joe as a fast-talking, good-looking person with deceptive charm.
Why he's the kind o' cat that'll make a dead man cry
Suggests that Joe is so charismatic that even a dead person would cry in admiration.
So look out for Killer Joe!
A warning to be cautious of Killer Joe.
Killer Joe - Killer Joe
Repetition emphasizing Killer Joe's name and his association with love for money.
Killer Joe - love dough
-(Repeat)
-Love of gold
Joe's love for gold has made him emotionally cold, repeated for emphasis.
Has made him very cold (Repeat Top)
-I hit the big town an'he turned me roun'
Narrator's experience in the big town, being dazzled by Joe's charming lies and false promises of wealth.
He dazzled me with some pretty jive
-Prettier jive than I've ever heard from
-Any man alive
-He called me "Baby," 'n "Honey"
-Messed wit m'head, tol' me he'd show me
-A whole mess o'money
-An' what did I get?
-That's somethin' I ain't figured out yet
-Each woman I meet is like a bead
Narrator's attitude towards relationships, expressing a focus on money and the need for financial security.
That's strung on a string
-An' I wear 'em like I'm wearin' a necklace
-Women love me, n'think lots of me
-Really! How can they be so reckless
-I tell 'em in front, that I do love money
-So - later on - then they won't get funny
-When I tighten up an' the scene gets heavy
-Times when I laugh they're over,
-Now they're gonna' feel a draf'
-Tell why'truth, if why'mus know
-Only thing can save why'is t'bring me lots o'dough
-(Background)
Background voices expressing pity for a girl involved with Joe, emphasizing his slick and deceptive nature.
Poor girl - Pity the hick
-Poor girl - Man, is he slick
-Poor girl - Pity the poor chick
-Stars were peepin' low
A narrative about a girl infatuated with Joe despite his lies and deception, with a warning about Joe's intentions.
An' man dud she have eyes for that Joe
-'N Joe was jivin' with all of his lies
-She felt he must o'meant it
-Boy, the chick was in f'some surprise
-Yep! 'N Joe ain' 'bout t'let 'er slide
-Git'er t'flyin' high 'n wide
-Then goof her carpet ride
-She was cute, he had class
-Why'knew he had 'er soon s'he made his pass
-(Background)
Background voices emphasizing Joe's presence.
(That's Joe!)
-Big cities are jungles an' men're like leopards
A metaphorical comparison of big cities to jungles, men to leopards, and women to lost lambs, highlighting the predatory nature of the environment.
An' women are lost lambs who've
-Strayed from kep' herds
-An' them leopards - are real wolves
-Actin' jus' like shepherds
-Look out! Joe got his hook out
Warning about Joe's dangerous charisma and the trouble he brings, advising the listener to be cautious.
He's lookin' so han'some
-Guaranteed trouble
-Why'think you see'n stan' some
-He'll furnish it double
-So look out
-(Repeat top)
Repetition of the warning about Killer Joe, reiterating the need to be vigilant.
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