Judy Is a Punk
À×ÃÉ˹(Ramones) Lyrics
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Judy is a runt
They both went down to Berlin, joined the Ice Capades
And oh, I don't know why
Oh, I don't know why
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah [x4]
Second verse, same as the first
Third verse, different from the first
Jackie is a punk
Judy is a runt
They both went down to Frisco, joined the sla
And oh, I don't know why
Oh, I don't know why
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah [x4]
The lyrics to "Judy Is A Punk" are a commentary on the punk subculture and counterculture of the 1970s. The song tells the story of two individuals, Jackie and Judy, who embody the punk ethos of rebellion and nonconformity. These two characters are presented as outcasts or "runts" who seek an alternative lifestyle through their involvement in the punk scene.
The first and second verse of the song are identical, emphasizing the repetition and monotony of this type of lifestyle. This repetition is broken up by the third verse, which introduces a new setting: Frisco. This location is likely a reference to San Francisco, which was home to many important countercultural and artistic movements such as the Beat Generation and the Summer of Love. The inclusion of the "sla" at the end of the line could refer to the Symbionese Liberation Army, a left-wing militant organization that gained national attention in the 1970s.
The repeated refrain of "oh, I don't know why / perhaps they'll die" is a nihilistic and fatalistic reflection of the punk ethos. This attitude of embracing the unknown and living life dangerously was a hallmark of the punk subculture, which rejected mainstream values and traditional forms of authority.
Line by Line Meaning
Jackie is a punk
Jackie is a rebellious person who rejects mainstream values and authority
Judy is a runt
Judy is a small and vulnerable person who is often treated unfairly
They both went down to Berlin, joined the Ice Capades
They both left their hometown and pursued their dreams of being professional ice skaters in Berlin
And oh, I don't know why
The artist is uncertain about the motivations of Jackie and Judy's actions
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah [x4]
The artist suggests that living a nonconformist lifestyle may lead to danger or even death
Second verse, same as the first
The song repeats its message of celebrating nonconformity and living life on one's own terms
Third verse, different from the first
The song changes location, but still emphasizes the same themes of rejecting mainstream values and pursuing one's passions
They both went down to Frisco, joined the sla
They both left their hometown to pursue their dreams in San Francisco and possibly became part of the activist group known as the Symbionese Liberation Army
Contributed by Jacob C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.