Josef K
Hales Corner Lyrics

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Look at her move she's had it
Been dragging us all around
Her death doesn't seem too tragic
Got four wheels and an engine now

If you had it your way
You could sink your teeth in
Would you try to break skin

Probably should with a grin

Suffering from the Bulleit
Don't say no but forget to eat
God I dread thinking of it
All those things I forgot doing

If you had it your way
You could sink your teeth in
Would you try to break skin
Probably would with a grin

Look at the rules they've done it
Grown multiplied and I've shrunk

Josef K can you hear me?
I'm feeling your struggle now

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Josef K" by Hales Corner's appear to be referencing the character of Josef K from Franz Kafka's novel "The Trial." The first few lines of the song depict a woman who has been leading the singer and others around, but now has a car and is no longer a burden. The idea of death not being tragic in this instance may relate to the theme in Kafka's novel, where Joseph K faces his trial and ultimately his death without much resistance.

The chorus seems to suggest a desire to engage in violence, with the singer asking if they would try to break skin with their teeth. The following lines depict a struggle with addiction or some other form of malaise, with the mention of "Bulleit" potentially referring to Bulleit Bourbon. The final lines of the song directly reference Josef K, who in Kafka's novel is on trial without knowing what his crime is or how to defend himself, leaving him feeling lost and struggling.

Overall, the song seems to be exploring themes of powerlessness, addiction, and the desire to exert control or inflict harm. The use of the character of Josef K adds an extra layer of meaning and allusion to the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Look at her move she's had it
Observing a good sense of determination about someone

Been dragging us all around
The impact of someone’s determination on everyone around them

Her death doesn't seem too tragic
The idea that someone’s death may not have as big an impact as they’ve once had

Got four wheels and an engine now
Moving on from the past onto better things

If you had it your way
Expressing a hypothetical situation where someone has their desires fulfilled

You could sink your teeth in
Take a bite or have a good grasp of something

Would you try to break skin
Going beyond just biting, causing harm or damage

Probably should with a grin
Even though it may not be the best idea, someone may carry out actions with a smiling face

Suffering from the Bulleit
Experiencing the effect of a whiskey brand

Don't say no but forget to eat
Being forgetful when under the influence

God I dread thinking of it
The fear or worry of something happening