This classic tune delves into the dark, charismatic world of a fictional character, Mackie Messer, from Bertolt Brecht's "The Threepenny Opera." The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Mackie as a suave but sinister figure who conceals his violent tendencies beneath a charming exterior. Through references to shark-like behavior and discreet violence, the song subtly hints at Mackie's criminal activities which include theft and possibly murder, as suggested by the imagery of hidden weapons and bloodless crimes. Ultimately, "Mack the Knife" serves as an ironic portrayal of a dangerous man who remains both feared and admired in his community.
Mack the Knife
Lyrics
Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
And it shows them pearly white
Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe
And he keeps it, ah, out of sight
You know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
Scarlet billows start to spread
Fancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babe
So there's never, never a trace of red
Now on the sidewalk, huh, huh, whoo sunny morning, un huh
Lies a body just oozin' life, eek
And someone's sneakin' 'round the corner
Could that someone be Mack the Knife?
There's a tugboat, huh, huh, down by the river don'tcha know
Where a cement bag's just a-drooppin' on down
Oh, that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear
Five'll get ya ten, old Macky's back in town
Now did ya hear 'bout Louie Miller? He disappeared, babe
After drawin' out all his hard-earned cash
And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor
Could it be our boy's done somethin' rash?
Now Jenny Diver, ho, ho, yeah, Sukey Tawdry
Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Oh, the line forms on the right, babe
Now that Macky's back in town
I said Jenny Diver, whoa, Sukey Tawdry
Look out to Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Yes, that line forms on the right, babe
Now that Macky's back in town
Look out, old Macky's back
Writer(s): Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, Marc Blitzstein
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, ACUM Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
What is the Meaning of Mack the Knife
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