Hey Joe
Bob Hocko & The Swamp Rats Lyrics
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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
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
The lyrics to Bob Hocko & The Swamp Rats's song Hey Joe describe the singer, Joe, who is caught up in a web of emotions caused by his girlfriend's infidelity. The song begins with Joe being questioned about where he is going with a gun in his hand. He reveals his plan to shoot his girlfriend, who he caught sleeping around with another man. He repeats this information, reiterating that he is going to kill her, emphasizing that it is not cool. In the second verse, another person joins in the questioning, mentioning that they heard Joe had shot his mother and girlfriend. Joe confirms this accusation, elaborating on his reason for shooting his girlfriend. In the final verse, Joe reveals that he is headed south to Mexico to escape from the consequences of his actions.
The song is an example of storytelling through music. It portrays a man who is struggling with his emotions, leading him to make the decision to commit murder. The song's narrative is a commentary on how intense emotions can cause individuals to lose their sense of logic and morality, making decisions that have serious consequences. The song serves as a warning against letting negative emotions get the best of an individual.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that gun of your hand
Asking Joe where he's going with the gun he's holding
Hey Joe, I said where you goin' with that gun in your hand, oh
Repeating the question and adding an exclamation
I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
Admitting to intending to shoot his girlfriend
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Explaining the reason for wanting to shoot his girlfriend
Yeah, I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
Repeating his intention to shoot his girlfriend
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Repeating the reason
Huh! and that ain't cool
Expressing disdain for his girlfriend's actions
Huh hey hoe, I heard you shot your mama down
Someone heard that Joe shot his mother
You shot her down now
Confirming that Joe shot his mother
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your lady down
Someone heard that Joe shot his girlfriend
You shot her down in the ground yeah!
Confirming that Joe shot his girlfriend and she's dead
Yes, I did, I shot her
Admitting to the murder
You know I caught her messin' round messin' round town
Repeating the reason for the murder
Huh, yes I did I shot her
Repeating his admission to the murder
You know I caught my old lady messin' 'round town
Repeating the reason
And I gave her the gun
Saying that he gave her the gun he used to kill her
And I shot her
Admitting to the murder again
Alright
Exclamation indicating agreement or approval
Shoot her one more time again baby!
Encouraging Joe to shoot his girlfriend's dead body
Yeah!
Exclamation of approval
Oh dig it
Expression of enjoyment or appreciation
Oh alright
Exclamation indicating agreement or approval
Hey Joe, Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Asking Joe where he's going to escape to
Hey Joe, I said Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Repeating the question
I'm goin' way down south
Saying he's going to Mexico
Way down to Mexico way
Adding more detail to his answer
Alright
Exclamation indicating agreement or approval
I'm goin' way down south
Repeating his answer
Way down where I can be free
Adding the reason for going to Mexico
Ain't no one gonna find me
Asserting that no one will be able to locate him
Ain't no hang-man gonna
Saying that no executioner will be able to hang him
He ain't gonna put a rope around me
Explaining why he won't be hanged
You better believe it right now
Insisting that what he's saying is true
I gotta go now
Saying he has to leave now
Hey, Joe You better run on down
Someone telling Joe to run away
Goodbye everybody
Saying goodbye to everyone before leaving
Hey hey Joe
Addressing Joe one last time
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Billy Roberts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind