Just Like Jesse James
Cher/Meatloaf Lyrics


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You're struttin' into town like you're slingin' a gun
Just a small town dude with a big city attitude
Honey are you lookin' for some trouble tonight
Well alright

You think you're so bad, drive the women folk wild
Shoot 'em all down with the flash of your pearly smile
Honey but you met your match tonight
Oh, that's right

You think you'll knock me off my feet
'Til I'm flat on the floor
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
So come on baby
Come on baby
Come on baby show me what that loaded gun is for

If you can give it
I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it

Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James

You're an outlaw lover and I'm after your hide
Well you ain't so strong, won't be long 'til your hands are tied
Tonight I'm gonna take you in
Dead or Alive
That's right

You break the laws of love in the name of desire
Take ten steps back
'Cause I'm ready baby
Aim and fire
Baby there's nowhere you gonna run tonight
Ooh That's right

Well you've had your way with love but it's the end of the day
Now a team of wild horses couldn't drag your heart away

So come on baby
Come on baby

Come on baby you know there ain't nothing left to say

If you can give it
I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it

Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James

You think you'll knock me off my feet
'til I'm flat on the floor
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
So come on baby
Come on baby
Come on baby
Come on

If you can give it
I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it

I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James





I'm gonna shoot ya down Jesse James

Overall Meaning

Just Like Jesse James is a song by Cher/Meatloaf that tells the story of a confident man (Jesse James) who struts into town like he is carrying a gun. The lyrics describe the singer as a small town man with a big city attitude, who drives women wild with the flash of his smile. However, the singer is his match and goes on to tell him that he'll soon go down in flames. She challenges him to give her everything he's got, as she can take it, and if their heart is going to break, it'll take a lot. The song portrays a confident woman who takes on an equally confident man and emerges victorious.


The chorus of the song is taken from the popular phrase "going down in flames," which is often used to describe failing miserably. The song's title refers to the infamous American outlaw Jesse James, who was known for his daring robberies and confrontations with authorities. The song makes use of the Jesse James metaphor to describe a man who believes he is untouchable, only to be taken down by the woman he is after.


The lyrics to Just Like Jesse James are a testament to the power of a confident woman who is not afraid to take on any challenge. Throughout the song, the singer asserts her dominance and shows that she will not be defeated by any man, no matter how confident he may be. The song is a feminist anthem that encourages women to be strong, confident, and unafraid to fight for what they want.


Line by Line Meaning

You're struttin' into town like you're slingin' a gun
You're walking into this town like you own the place


Just a small town dude with a big city attitude
You come from a small town but act like you belong in the city


Honey are you lookin' for some trouble tonight
Are you seeking some kind of confrontation tonight?


Well alright
Well, let's see how this plays out then.


You think you're so bad, drive the women folk wild
You believe you are irresistible and desirable to women


Shoot 'em all down with the flash of your pearly smile
A smile from you is all it takes to win them over


Honey but you met your match tonight
You've come across someone who can handle you


Oh, that's right
That's exactly what's happening here.


You think you'll knock me off my feet
You believe you will sweep me off my feet


'Til I'm flat on the floor
Until I'm completely smitten with you


'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
Until I'm completely enamored and yearning for more


So come on baby
Let's see what you've got


Come on baby
Let's see what you're made of


Come on baby show me what that loaded gun is for
Demonstrate your charm and seduction skills on me


If you can give it
If you can keep it up


I can take it
I can handle it


'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it
I have a strong heart that won't be easily broken


I know tonight
I'm certain that tonight


Somebody's gonna win the fight
One of us is going to come out on top


So if you're so tough
If you're as strong as you claim to be


Come on and prove it
Show me what you've got


Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
Your heart is vulnerable and you know it won't fare well


Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
You're going to lose spectacularly


Just like Jesse James
Just like the notorious outlaw Jesse James


You're an outlaw lover and I'm after your hide
You're drawn to rebels and I'm here to give chase


Well you ain't so strong, won't be long 'til your hands are tied
You're actually not that strong and won't last long in this fight


Tonight I'm gonna take you in
I'm going to catch you and bring you in


Dead or Alive
Whether it's by force or by choice


That's right
That's exactly what's going to happen


You break the laws of love in the name of desire
You disregard the rules of love in pursuit of your desires


Take ten steps back
Stop what you're doing


'Cause I'm ready baby
Because I'm prepared for whatever comes next


Aim and fire
Take your best shot


Baby there's nowhere you gonna run tonight
You won't be able to escape me tonight


Well you've had your way with love but it's the end of the day
You've been successful in love so far, but that's about to change


Now a team of wild horses couldn't drag your heart away
Nothing could change your mind or alter your heart's desires


Come on baby you know there ain't nothing left to say
There's nothing more to discuss, let's settle this matter


Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
You're going to lose spectacularly


Just like Jesse James
Just like the notorious outlaw Jesse James


I'm gonna shoot ya down Jesse James
I'm going to defeat you, just like Jesse James was defeated




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Realsongs
Written by: Desmond Child, Diane Eve Warren

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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