Messin' With The Kid
Johnny Winter Lyrics

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What's this I hear goin' all around town
Tell everybody ya got to put the kid down

Oh lord, look at what-cha' did
Call it what you want to
I call it messin' with the kid

Well you take the kids car and ya drive around the block

Ya tell everybody Look at what you got

Hey, hey, oh lord, look at what-cha' did
Call it what you want to
I call it messin' with the kid

Well the kid don't jive and he don't play
He say what he means and he mans what he say

Oh lord, oh lord, look at what cha' did
Call it what you want to
I call it messin' with the kid

What's this I hear goin' all around town
Tell everybody ya got to put the kid down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Johnny Winter's "Messin' With The Kid" is a straightforward warning to those who underestimate and belittle the young man being referred to as "the kid". The opening lines suggest that rumors are spreading about "putting the kid down", which can be interpreted as trying to put him in his place or trying to bring him down a notch. The singer, however, disagrees with this approach, calling it "messin' with the kid".

The chorus of the song repeats this sentiment and suggests that there will be consequences for those who try to mess with the kid. The further lyrics explain that the kid is someone who cannot be easily fooled or manipulated. He has his own car and is assertive enough to let people know that he is not one to be messed with. The closing lines once again caution anyone who hears the rumors or thinks about putting the kid down, reminding them that it's not worth the trouble.

Overall, the song is a celebration of strength, self-respect, and individuality. It's an anthem for anyone who has been underestimated, put down, or disrespected but refuses to back down or compromise who they are.

Line by Line Meaning

What's this I hear goin' all around town
I've been hearing gossip spreading all over town

Tell everybody ya got to put the kid down
People are saying that the kid needs to be put in his place

Oh lord, look at what-cha' did
I can't believe what you've done

Call it what you want to
You can label it whatever you want

I call it messin' with the kid
But I see it as messing with the kid

Well you take the kids car and ya drive around the block
You take advantage of the kid's possessions and show them off

Ya tell everybody Look at what you got
You brag to everyone about what you've taken from the kid

He say what he means and he mans what he say
The kid is honest and stands by his words

Oh lord, oh lord, look at what cha' did
I can't believe what you've done again

Call it what you want to
You can label it whatever you want

I call it messin' with the kid
But I see it as messing with the kid again