Hey Joe
Bob Gallion Lyrics
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Where'd ya find that pearly girlie
Where'd ya get that jolly dolly
How did ya rate that dish I wish was mine
Hey Joe!
She's got skin that's creamy dreamy
Eyes that look so lovey-dovey
Now listen Joe, I ain't no heel
But oh buddy let me tell you how I feel
She's a honey, she's a sugar pie
I'm warnin' you I'm gonna try to steal her from you
Hey Joe!
Though we've been the best of friends
This is where that friendship ends
I gotta have that dolly for my own.
(Hey Joe!)
(Hey Joe!)
Hey Joe!
Come on let's be buddy buddies
Show me you're my palsy-walsy
Introduce that pretty little chick to me
Hey Joe!
Quit that waitin', hesitatin'
Let me at 'er, what's the matter
You're as slow as any Joe can be
Now come on Joe let's make a deal
Let me dance with her to see if she is real
She's the cutest girl I've ever seen
An' I tell ya face to face I mean to steal her from you
Hey Joe!
We'll be friends until the end
But this looks like the end my friend
I gotta have that dolly for my own
I've gotta have that dolly for my own
(Hey Joe, Hey Joe)
Bob Gallion's song "Hey Joe" is a classic example of a tale about two friends in love with the same girl. In the song, the singer, Joe, has found a beautiful woman that his friend is also enamored with. The lyrics describe her stunning physical features in detail, painted as the object of both men's desire. However, the singer makes it clear to Joe that he intends to steal her away, despite their long-standing friendship. The story speaks to the age-old adage that "all is fair in love and war," and explores the tension between male friendship and romantic pursuit.
The song's narrative promotes a masculine-centered perspective, where contesting for the affection of a woman is framed as a competitive game between male friends. The lyrics reveal how men often sexualize and objectify women, making them mere trophies to be won. The singer of the song disregards the feelings of his friend, seeking only to achieve his personal desires, and portrays himself as righteous in doing so. The song highlights the toxic aspects of male friendship and brings to light the question of how to navigate love when it is between friends.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Joe!
A salutation to Joe, the singer's friend who has a desirable girl.
Where'd ya find that pearly girlie
Asking Joe where he found such a flawless girl.
Where'd ya get that jolly dolly
Asking Joe where he got that happy and playful girl.
How did ya rate that dish I wish was mine
Asking Joe how he managed to get such an attractive girl.
Hey Joe!
Again, reiterating the salutation to Joe.
She's got skin that's creamy dreamy
Describing the girl's skin as smooth and perfect, nearly like a dream.
Eyes that look so lovey-dovey
Noting the girl's flirty and affectionate gaze.
Lips as red as cherry berry wine
Describing the girl's lips as a deep red, much like cherry or wine.
Now listen Joe, I ain't no heel
Clarifying that the artist is not a bad person or a villain.
But oh buddy let me tell you how I feel
Explaining that the artist must speak honestly with Joe.
She's a honey, she's a sugar pie
Complimenting the girl and describing her as sweet and attractive.
I'm warnin' you I'm gonna try to steal her from you
Letting Joe know that the artist intends to pursue and win the girl for himself.
Hey Joe!
Again, reiterating the salutation to Joe.
Though we've been the best of friends
Acknowledging that the singer and Joe have been close friends.
This is where that friendship ends
Explaining that the pursuit of the girl will cause the end of their friendship.
I gotta have that dolly for my own.
Reiterating the artist's desire to have the girl for himself.
(Hey Joe!)
Repeating the salutation to Joe.
(Hey Joe!)
Repeating the salutation to Joe.
Hey Joe!
Again, reiterating the salutation to Joe.
Come on let's be buddy buddies
Encouraging Joe to remain friends with the artist despite the situation.
Show me you're my palsy-walsy
Asking Joe to demonstrate that they are close friends no matter what.
Introduce that pretty little chick to me
Asking Joe to introduce the girl to the artist.
Quit that waitin', hesitatin'
Encouraging Joe to stop being indecisive about the girl.
Let me at 'er, what's the matter
Urging Joe to let the artist pursue the girl and wondering why Joe is hesitating.
You're as slow as any Joe can be
Teasing Joe for his slowness and indecisiveness.
Now come on Joe let's make a deal
Proposing a pact or agreement between the singer and Joe.
Let me dance with her to see if she is real
Asking Joe for permission to spend time with the girl and evaluate her as a potential partner.
She's the cutest girl I've ever seen
Complimenting the girl on her looks and highlighting the artist's attraction to her.
An' I tell ya face to face I mean to steal her from you
Reiterating the artist's intention to pursue and win the girl from Joe.
Hey Joe!
Again, reiterating the salutation to Joe.
We'll be friends until the end
Assuring Joe that the singer intends to remain friends with him despite the situation.
But this looks like the end my friend
Suggesting that the pursuit of the girl will likely cause the end of their friendship anyway.
I gotta have that dolly for my own
Reiterating the artist's strong desire to win the girl for himself.
I've gotta have that dolly for my own
Repeating the artist's strong desire to win the girl for himself.
(Hey Joe, Hey Joe)
Repeating the salutation to Joe.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Billy Roberts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ruth Boykin
Great song and early recording. I've heard it by many but my absolute favorite is Carl Smith! Thanks for this great one also AK!
Deborah Blades
HAHA LOVE IT THKS AK