DEAD OR ALIVE
Chris Barber; Lonnie Donegan; Van Morrison Lyrics
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Yes the new sheriff sent me a letter
He said, "Come up and see me dead or alive,
Come up and see me dead or alive".
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
It's a hard road dead or alive
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
Well I really don't like your hard rock hotel (yeah) sheriff
Well I really don't like your hard rock hotel, sheriff
Dead or alive, no sheriff
Dead or alive, no sheriff
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
Well he even sent me my picture
(Oh yeah, and hello)
He even sent me my picture
(Yeah yeah)
Hey, how do I look boy (wonderful)
Dead or alive?
How do I look boy (sweet) dead or alive?
It's a hard road dead or alive
It's a hard road dead or alive
Well, it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
The lyrics to "Dead or Alive" suggest a confrontation between the singer and the new sheriff, who has sent a letter inviting the singer to either see him "dead or alive." The singer expresses his dislike for the sheriff's "hard rock hotel" and suggests he wants no part in the sheriff's plans. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's a hard road dead or alive," which could mean that no matter what the outcome of the confrontation, the singer will face difficulties.
The lyrics of the song may be interpreted in a variety of ways, but some speculate that "Dead or Alive" was written in response to a specific event or situation. Some suggest that the song was inspired by Morrison's run-ins with the law or his experiences in the music industry. Others suggest that the song is a commentary on power and corruption, with the sheriff representing oppressive authority figures.
Line by Line Meaning
Well the new sheriff sent me a letter
The new sheriff has contacted me via letter.
Yes the new sheriff sent me a letter
Confirming that the new sheriff has contacted me through mail.
He said, "Come up and see me dead or alive, Come up and see me dead or alive".
The new sheriff has invited me to come and see him, regardless of whether I am alive or dead.
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
Life is difficult, whether one is alive or dead.
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
The difficulties of life remain despite being alive or dead.
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
A reminder that life is hard regardless of the state of being.
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
The hardships of life will persist regardless of whether one is alive or dead.
Well, I really don't like your hard rock hotel (yeah) sheriff
I am not fond of your establishment, sheriff.
Well, I really don't like your hard rock hotel, sheriff
A direct statement to the sheriff stating my dislike for his hotel.
Dead or alive, no sheriff
I am not willing to follow the sheriff's request, regardless of my state of being.
Dead or alive, no sheriff
A firm refusal to comply with the sheriff's command.
Well he even sent me my picture (Oh yeah, and hello)
The sheriff went as far as sending me a picture of myself.
He even sent me my picture (Yeah yeah)
Confirming that the sheriff went out of his way to send me a picture of myself.
Hey, how do I look boy (wonderful) Dead or alive?
Asking for an opinion on appearance, regardless of whether I am living or dead.
How do I look boy (sweet) dead or alive?
A second request for an opinion on appearance without regard for being alive or dead.
Dead or alive
A statement highlighting the importance of the message regardless of whether I am alive or dead.
Dead or alive
Reiterating the significance of the message regardless of whether I am living or dead.
Dead or alive
A reminder that the message holds weight regardless of the state of being.
Dead or alive
Emphasizing that the message is important regardless of whether one is alive or dead.
Dead or alive
Repeating the message's importance in any circumstance.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BUFFY SAINTE MARIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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