Hey Joe
Hey Joe's Desperate Journey: Love, Betrayal, and the Shadows of Justice
Lyrics
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that gun of your hand
Joe is asked about his intention with a gun.
Hey Joe, I said where you goin' with that gun in your hand, oh
Repetition of the inquiry about Joe's destination with the gun.
I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
Joe declares his plan to shoot his unfaithful partner.
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Explanation of why Joe wants to shoot his partner; she cheated.
Yeah, I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
Reiteration of Joe's intention to shoot his unfaithful partner.
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Confirmation of catching the partner cheating with another man.
Huh! and that ain't cool
Expression of disapproval for the partner's actions.
Huh hey hoe, I heard you shot your mama down
Reference to a rumor that Joe shot his mother.
You shot her down now
Affirmation of Joe shooting his mother down.
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your lady down
Revelation that Joe also shot his lady (partner).
You shot her down in the ground yeah!
Confirmation of shooting the lady down to the ground.
Yeah!
Expression of intensity or emotion.
Yes, I did, I shot her
Joe admits to shooting his partner due to infidelity.
You know I caught her messin' round messin' round town
Recollection of catching the partner cheating in town.
Huh, yes I did I shot her
Reiteration of Joe shooting his partner.
You know I caught my old lady messin' 'round town
Confirmation of catching his partner's unfaithfulness.
And I gave her the gun
Joe gave the gun to his partner before shooting her.
And I shot her
Declaration of shooting the partner.
Alright
Expression of approval or encouragement.
Shoot her one more time again baby!
Encouragement for Joe to shoot his partner once more.
Yeah!
Expression of excitement or approval.
Oh dig it
Encouragement or approval, possibly related to the shooting.
Oh alright
Expression of approval or encouragement.
Hey Joe,
Resumption of the dialogue, asking Joe about his next move.
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Reiteration of the inquiry about Joe's destination.
Hey Joe, I said
Repetition of the inquiry, seeking Joe's future plans.
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Reiteration of the inquiry, asking where Joe plans to go.
I'm goin' way down south
Joe's response, stating he's heading to Mexico.
Way down to Mexico way
Clarification of the specific destination (Mexico).
Alright
Expression of approval or encouragement.
I'm goin' way down south
Reiteration of Joe's plan to go to the south for freedom.
Way down where I can be free
Further clarification of going where Joe can be free.
Ain't no one gonna find me
Assurance that no one will find Joe in the southern destination.
Ain't no hang-man gonna
Confidence that no hangman will put a rope around Joe.
He ain't gonna put a rope around me
Reiteration that no hangman will capture Joe.
You better believe it right now
Assertion of belief in Joe's impending freedom.
I gotta go now
Expression of urgency to depart.
Hey, Joe
Addressing Joe again, suggesting he runs down.
You better run on down
Wishing farewell to everyone.
Goodbye everybody
Repetition of addressing Joe, possibly for emphasis.
Hey hey Joe
Farewell to Joe.
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