Mako
Ax and the Hatchetmen Lyrics

The lyrics to Ax and the Hatchetmen's song "Mako" are relatively simple, but evoke a feeling of playful flirtation and dangerous adventure. The singer begins by describing a peaceful scene by the water, enjoying the sun and skipping rocks. They then offer a somewhat reckless invitation to go swimming, asking to be taken for a swim by whoever is listening to the song. The chorus is a repetition of the word "mako", which is jarring and unexpected the first time it is heard.

This repetition of the word "mako" throughout the song is intriguing. The mako is a type of shark known for its impressive speed and powerful bite. The chorus gives the impression that the singer is both fascinated and intimidated by the creature, using it as a kind of shorthand for adventure and danger. The odd structure of the chorus, with the "shark" line appearing later than the two "mako" lines, adds to the sense of tension and unpredictability.

The final lines of the song deepen the message of unrequited love that was hinted at earlier. The singer would go to great lengths for the person they are addressing, but they feel unimportant to that person in return. This adds an edge of sadness to the song's playful tone, leaving the listener with a sense of complex emotions.