Mack the Knife
Ann-Margret & Al Hirt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it shows them pearly white
Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe
And he keeps it, ah, out of sight
Ya 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 dontcha 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 d'ja 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!!
"Mack The Knife" is a song made famous by the 1950s jazz artist Louis Armstrong with lyrics that describe the exploits of Mack, a suave criminal known for his jackknife and his ability to avoid detection. The opening verse describes Mack's signature weapon and his penchant for keeping it out of sight along with his fancy gloves that are always free of blood. The second verse paints a picture of the aftermath of one of Mack's crimes which is a scene of gruesome murder that leaves the victim "oozin' life."
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
A vicious criminal has many dangerous connections
And it shows them pearly white
Their power and cunning is not easily seen
Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe
The criminal's weapon of choice is a small, deadly blade
And he keeps it, ah, out of sight
The weapon is hidden and not easily noticed
Ya know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
When the criminal strikes, their power is unmistakable
Scarlet billows start to spread
The aftermath of their actions is bloody and chaotic
Fancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babe
The criminal is careful not to leave any forensic evidence
So there’s never, never a trace of red
There is never any evidence to link the crime to the criminal
Now on the sidewalk, huh, huh, whoo sunny morning, un huh
The scene is set for a gruesome discovery
Lies a body just oozin' life, eek
A victim has been killed in a brutal manner
And someone’s sneakin' ‘round the corner
A possible suspect is lurking in the shadows
Could that someone be Mack the Knife?
The notorious criminal is a prime suspect in the murder
There's a tugboat, huh, huh, down by the river dontcha know
A place where illicit activities are known to occur
Where a cement bag’s just a'drooppin' on down
A possible connection to a criminal enterprise
Oh, that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear
The cement bag may contain evidence or a victim's body
Five'll get ya ten old Macky’s back in town
The criminal is likely to return to continue his reign of terror
Now d'ja hear ‘bout Louie Miller? He disappeared, babe
Another potential victim of the criminal's violence
After drawin' out all his hard-earned cash
The victim may have been targeted for his wealth
And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor
The criminal is living lavishly and without care for consequences
Could it be our boy's done somethin' rash?
The criminal may have acted impulsively or recklessly
Now Jenny Diver, ho, ho, yeah, Sukey Tawdry
The criminal has connections with other dangerous individuals
Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
More associates of the criminal underworld
Oh, the line forms on the right, babe
Others are lining up to join the criminal enterprise
Now that Macky’s back in town
The criminal has returned, and more chaos is likely to follow
I said Jenny Diver, whoa, Sukey Tawdry
Dangerous women associated with the criminal
Look out to Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
More associates of the criminal underworld
Yes, that line forms on the right, babe
The criminal organization is growing stronger
Now that Macky’s back in town
The criminal has returned, and more chaos is likely to follow
Look out, old Macky's back!!
The criminal is a dangerous and unpredictable force to be reckoned with
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ACUM Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, Marc Blitzstein
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
schallrd1
She looks like an angel in heaven with the clouds. Her talent was breaking free.
Michael M.
For what is probably her first screen test, you have to respect her comfort and ease in front of the camera. For someone totally unfamiliar with the camera, I think she did an amazing job with the song and in creating a persona to engage the audience.
Donna
What a cool lady one of my favourite performers.
Sergio Secches
Muito show! Charme, beleza, ousadia, ritmo e talento, mesmo em branco e preto essa apresentação parece feita hoje.
bammbamm12
When you have talent, you can do it any way you want.
geo-george1
Exactly!
ultraroadmap
Damn...what a fine performance....think about when this was made....she is awesome.
Chipchase
Aaaahhhh..Beautiful, spirited, non conformist, sassy, experimental, sexy, multitalented lady. I love these early audition tapes. She goes through her full range of vocal and facial expressions. Did I say sexy ?
Maverick 1
Lord Have Mercy this woman is gorgeous!!!😍
drivingonthevine
she's so amazing. she looks so young and beautiful.