The Hey Joe Songfacts says: There have been countless versions of "Hey Joe" but the version that inspired Hendrix to record this came from a Folk singer named Tim Rose, who played it in a slow arrangement on his 1967 debut album. Rose was a popular singer/songwriter for a short time in the Greenwich Village scene, but quickly faded into obscurity before a small comeback in the '90s. He died in 2002 at age 62.
Hey Joe
Jimi Hendrix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey Joe, I said, where you goin' with that gun in your hand? Oh
I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man, yeah
I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man
Huh, and that ain't too cool
You shot her down now
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your lady down
You shot her down in the ground
Yeah
Yes, I did, I shot her
You know I caught her messin' 'round, messin' 'round town
Yes, I did, I shot her
You know I caught my old lady messin' 'round town
And I gave her the gun
I shot her
Alright
Shoot her one more time again, baby
Yeah
Oh, dig it
Alright
Hey, Joe
Where you gonna run to now? Where you gonna run to?
Hey Joe, I said
Where you gonna run to now? Where you, where you gonna go?
Well, dig
I'm goin' way down south
Way down to Mexico way
Alright
I'm goin' way down south
Way down where I can be free
Ain't no one gonna find me
Ain't no hangman gonna
He ain't gonna put a rope around me
You better believe right now
I gotta go now
Hey, Joe
You better run on down
Goodbye, everybody, ow
Hey, hey, Joe, run on down
Jimi Hendrix's iconic song Hey Joe has been interpreted by many as a straightforward tale of murder, jealousy and fleeing justice. However, a closer look reveals a more nuanced narrative with possible societal commentary. The song starts with the singer, Joe, talking about his intention to shoot his 'old lady' whom he caught cheating with another man. His statement is then followed by the first instance of someone else questioning him about his intention, "Hey Joe, I heard you shot your mama down," which he confirms.
After another repetition of the initial statement, the second instance of questioning is more forceful, "Hey Joe, where you gonna run to now?" which is followed by Joe's response of going down south to Mexico where he can be free. Here, the lyrics can be interpreted as a commentary on the societal pressures that lead to a cycle of violence, particularly against women, and the impossibility of escape. The mention of Mexico can also be seen as a reference to a place where Jimi Hendrix himself was able to find greater creative freedom as a black artist.
Interestingly, the origins of this song have been a topic of debate. While the song has been credited to Billy Roberts, there are speculations that the song is a rewritten version of a traditional song called 'Little Sadie' or that Hendrix himself wrote it. Additionally, there have been other versions of this song released by various artists like Tim Rose and The Leaves. Hey Joe has been ranked among the greatest rock songs of all time and has been covered by famous artists like Patti Smith and The Offspring.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Joe, where you goin' with that gun of your hand?
Asking Joe where he is going with his gun in his hand.
I'm goin' down to shoot my old lady
You know I caught her messin' 'round with another man, yeah
Joe is going to shoot his girlfriend for cheating on him.
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your mama down
You shot her down now
Hey Joe, I heard you shot your lady down
Shot her down in the ground, yeah
Yeah
Joe shot his girlfriend and his mother.
Yes, I did, I shot her
You know I caught her messin' round, messin' round town
Yes, I did, I shot her
You know I caught my old lady messin' 'round town
And I gave her the gun
I shot her
Joe admits to shooting his girlfriend and claiming it was because he caught her cheating.
Hey Joe
Where you gonna run to now? Where you gonna run to?
Hey Joe, I said
Where you gonna run to now? Where you, where you gonna go?
Asking Joe where he plans to run away to avoid the consequences of his actions.
Well, dig
I'm goin' way down south
Way down to Mexico way
Alright
I'm goin' way down south
Way down where I can be free
Ain't no one gonna find me
Ain't no hangman gonna
He ain't gonna put a rope around me
You better believe right now
I gotta go now
Joe plans to flee to Mexico to avoid getting punished for his crimes and hopes to be free from the pursuit of law enforcement.
Hey, Joe
You better run on down
Goodbye, everybody, ow
Hey, hey, Joe
Saying goodbye to Joe and advising him to run away quickly.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Billy Roberts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aventurascomtadeu
If you here just now it's because you like Jimi Hendrix.
@xtra_krispy693
Real💯
@williammcnamara9075
Yes
@aventurascomtadeu
@@williammcnamara9075 Yes! This Jimi Hendrix music is the best
@ianwilliams7080
Well yeah
@aventurascomtadeu
@@ianwilliams7080 Yeah
@henryquenin6580
Mitch Mitchell was so unbelievably soulful. Best rock drummer by far in the 60s. He wasn't just loud and busy but could have a very subtle jazzy touch. He was the perfect drummer for the GREAT Mr. Hendrix.
@TexasTags
beast of a drummer perfect combination for sure
@abradfordajb
Actually i believe you're right. The perfect studio AND live drummer.
@mattpendell1369
I agree. The 60s had a beautiful psychedelic rock/soul sound, Mitch Mitchell and Charlie Watts were the best at making something that looks simple sound so perfect.