Mean Old Man
Jerry Lee Lewis feat. Ronnie Wood Lyrics
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If I look like a mean old man that's what I am
If I look like a mean old man
Who'll duke you any way he can
To break your heart and kiss your hand
That's what I am
If I look like a good old friend that's what I am
If I look like a good old friend
Who's good at bending with the wind
To be your friend right to the end
That's what I am
And if I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll
Who takes his licking standing tall
Who'd rather bite you back than crawl
That's what I am
If I look like your uncle bob that's what I am
If I look like your uncle bob that's what I am
If I look like your uncle bob
Who likes to slap you on the back and rob you
While he still can do the job
That's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll
Who takes his licking standing tall
Who'd rather bite you back than crawl
That's what I am
That's what I am
That's what you are!
Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Mean Old Man” is a song about self-awareness and the different facets of personality in all of us. The lyrics emphasize that what you see is what you get, and that the singer is not going to apologize for who he is. The first verse states that if he looks like a mean old man, that is exactly what he is. He is not going to sugar-coat his intentions and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means breaking hearts along the way. However, the second verse goes on to say that if he looks like a good old friend, that is also part of him. He is willing to be flexible and accommodating to his friends, and will stick with them no matter what.
The reference to a voodoo doll in the third verse is interesting, as it suggests that the singer may at times feel like he is being manipulated or controlled by others. Despite this, he takes pride in being able to stand tall and defend himself, refusing to be a victim. The final verse brings everything together and reminds us that everyone has multiple sides to their personality, and that it’s those differences that make us unique. Whether he looks like your Uncle Bob or a voodoo doll, Jerry Lee Lewis’s message is clear: what you see is what you get, and that’s something to be proud of.
Line by Line Meaning
If I look like a mean old man that's what I am
I am a mean old man and I have no intention of pretending otherwise.
If I look like a mean old man
Who'll duke you any way he can
To break your heart and kiss your hand
That's what I am
I am a mean old man who is willing to fight and hurt you to show my affection for you in a twisted way.
If I look like a good old friend that's what I am
I am a good old friend and I will always be there for you.
If I look like a good old friend
Who's good at bending with the wind
To be your friend right to the end
That's what I am
I am a good old friend who can adapt and mold myself to any circumstance to stay as your friend forever.
If I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
I am a dangerous person, like a voodoo doll, and I won't let you mess with me.
If I look like a voodoo doll
Who takes his licking standing tall
Who'd rather bite you back than crawl
That's what I am
I am a tough person who can take a beating and still stand strong. I prefer to retaliate instead of giving in.
If I look like your uncle bob that's what I am
I am just like your uncle Bob, but perhaps more ominous and harmful.
If I look like your uncle bob
Who likes to slap you on the back and rob you
While he still can do the job
That's what I am
I am like your uncle Bob, who shows false affection but ultimately robs and hurts you while he still can.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind