He is considered one of the most original personalities in Italian music from the 1970s to now. Battiato's songs are dreamy, controversial collages of images and sensations, very experimental and convoluted, rich of esoteric, philosophical and East Asian religious themes.
His collaborations (from 1994 onward) with the nihilistic-cynical philosopher Manlio Sgalambro have added further depth to his apparently nonsensical lyrics, with references to Emil Cioran, Friedrich Nietzsche and other anarchistic and problematic thinkers.
Hey Joe
Franco Battiato Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey Joe, I said where you going with that gun in your hand?
I'm going down to shoot my old lady
You know, I caught her messing round with another man
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your woman down
down to the ground ain't cool
Where you gonna run to now?
Where you, gonna go?
I'm going down to Mexico Way where I can be free
The song "Hey Joe" is one of the most controversial rock songs of all time. The Franco Battiato version of the song focuses on the story of a man named Joe who is caught in a dilemma. He finds out that his woman is cheating on him and decides to take matters into his own hands by shooting her. The lyrics contemplate on Joe's escape to Mexico as he is aware of the consequences of his actions.
The opening lyrics depict a conversation between someone, presumably the singer, and Joe as he is carrying a gun. The singer asks him where he is going with the gun and Joe replies that he is going to shoot his old lady as he caught her sleeping around town. The chorus depicts Joe's state of mind as he has reached the point of no return and is determined to take the law into his own hands. He is aware that his actions will have consequences and decides to run away to Mexico to escape his fate.
The song touches on themes of revenge, jealousy, regret, and escapism. The listener is left to judge whether Joe's actions were justified, and whether his escape to Mexico will bring him the freedom he is seeking. The song became popular during the Vietnam war era due to its association with anti-war sentiments and became an anthem for the counterculture movement of the time.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Joe, where you going with that gun in your hand?
Asking Joe about his intentions for carrying a dangerous weapon
Hey Joe, I said where you going with that gun in your hand?
Repeating the question with more urgency and concern
I'm going down to shoot my old lady
Answering the question by revealing a violent and vengeful plan against his partner
You know, I caught her messing round with another man
Explaining the motive behind Joe's violent plan as a result of his partner's infidelity
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your woman down
Questioning Joe about rumors of him having committed a grave crime
down to the ground ain't cool
Commenting on the seriousness and immorality of the act of murder
Where you gonna run to now?
Asking Joe about his escape plan, knowing he will face consequences for his actions
Where you, gonna run to?
Repeating the question with more emphasis
Where you, gonna go?
Continuing to inquire about Joe's planned destination to evade punishment
I'm going down to Mexico Way where I can be free
Revealing Joe's intended escape route to Mexico, where he hopes to avoid punishment for his crime and live without consequences
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Billy Roberts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind