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Hey Joe, where you goin' with that gun of your hand
Hey Joe, I said where you goin' with that gun in your hand, oh
I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Yeah, I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Huh! and that ain't cool
Huh hey hoe, I heard you shot your mama down
You shot her down now
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your lady down
You shot her down in the ground yeah!
Yeah!

Yes, I did, I shot her
You know I caught her messin' round messin' round town
Huh, yes I did I shot her
You know I caught my old lady messin' 'round town
And I gave her the gun
And I shot her

Alright
Shoot her one more time again baby!
Yeah!
Oh dig it
Oh alright

Hey Joe,
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Hey Joe, I said
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
I'm goin' way down south
Way down to Mexico way

Alright
I'm goin' way down south
Way down where I can be free
Ain't no one gonna find me
Ain't no hang-man gonna
He ain't gonna put a rope around me
You better believe it right now
I gotta go now

Hey, Joe
You better run on down




Goodbye everybody
Hey hey Joe

Overall Meaning

"Hey Joe" is a classic blues rock song often associated with Jimi Hendrix, but was originally written by Billy Roberts in 1962. The song describes the story of Joe, who is on the run after shooting his wife after discovering that she had been seeing another man. The lyrics depict Joe's intentions to flee to Mexico where he will be free from the authorities and persecution, choosing to run away rather than face the legal consequences of his actions. The song also suggests that Joe may have killed his own mother as well, painting him as a reckless and unstable character, provoked by the betrayal of his partner.


The song is a cautionary tale about the consequences of infidelity, jealousy, and domestic violence. It highlights the dangers of gun ownership and the tragic outcomes that may result from a person's inability to control their emotions. The song is also a commentary on the justice system, with Joe's decision to flee to Mexico rather than face the punishment he deserves, suggesting a lack of faith in the legal system to provide fair and just consequences for his actions.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey Joe, where you goin' with that gun of your hand
Addressing Joe, curious as to where he is headed with the gun he's carrying


Hey Joe, I said where you goin' with that gun in your hand, oh
Repeating the question above with an additional note of concern or surprise


I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
Admitting his intent to shoot his partner


You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Explaining the reason behind his intent to shoot his partner


Yeah, I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
Reasserting his intent to shoot his partner


You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Reiterating the reason behind his intent to shoot his partner


Huh! and that ain't cool
Expressing anger or frustration towards the situation he's in


Huh hey hoe, I heard you shot your mama down
Joe is being asked if he really did shoot his mother


You shot her down now
Acknowledging the fact that Joe had shot his mother


Hey Joe, I heard you shot your lady down
Joe is being asked if he really did shoot his partner


You shot her down in the ground yeah!
Confirming the fact that Joe did shoot his partner


Yes, I did, I shot her
Admitting to shooting his partner


You know I caught her messin' round messin' round town
Repeating the reason behind his shooting


Huh, yes I did I shot her
Affirming that he really did shoot her


You know I caught my old lady messin' 'round town
Reiterating that he caught his partner with another man


And I gave her the gun
Explaining how the gun ended up with his partner and how he had access to it


And I shot her
Stating what he did with the gun


Shoot her one more time again baby!
Emphasizing his violent tendencies and actions


Hey Joe, Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Asking Joe where he plans to escape to


I'm goin' way down south
Explaining where Joe plans to run to


Way down to Mexico way
Being more specific with where he plans to run to


I'm goin' way down south
Reiterating where he plans to run to


Way down where I can be free
Explaining his desire for freedom from his current situation


Ain't no one gonna find me
Expressing his desire to remain hidden and free from persecution or punishment


Ain't no hang-man gonna
Further explaining that he won't be caught and punished


He ain't gonna put a rope around me
Painting a picture of being caught and sentenced to death by hanging


You better believe it right now
Emphasizing his belief in his own plan and ability to escape


I gotta go now
Indicating his need to leave immediately


Hey, Joe You better run on down
Encouraging Joe to leave as soon as possible


Goodbye everybody
Saying goodbye to everyone before leaving


Hey hey Joe
A farewell to Joe as he plans to leave




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: Billy Roberts

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@gladhammer

I met Alain and Natasha 1997 when my band opened for Eleven. They were both so gracious and kind to us. I've always held that memory very close to my heart. There aren't many people in the industry, that I can truly say, that left as big of an impression on me as they did. 🙏

@mad-dog67

Do you still play?

@BryanTheBand

There is a reason many refer to Alain as Maestro. His singing and playing are a singular talent, there are none like him. All of his contemporaries sing his praises.

Bravo Alain and Iron Jinn!

@StephanosMitakides

They sound great together. Keep drinking the same water.

@LilBigBadwolf0

It was a privilege to see Alain live twice with TCV. Glad Josh took time every show to give Alain the spotlight.

@booitsnick

Two of the most underrated things in the guitar world… Alan Johannes and Yamaha

@davebowden4010

I've been waiting so long for this. Hes a special human not just a fantastic and unique musician!
RIP Natasha ❤

@def4de

I recently bought that Revstar and seeing Alain playing it absolutely made my day

@edwinenboukj

GrandioosJan-Douwe.1832 x Bedankt

@joanneanderson4190

Alain has also worked with Ian Thornley of Big Wreck over the years. So talented.

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