Rack 'Em Up
Jonny Lang Lyrics
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You go down there and don't do nothin' at all
If you wanted to play some cards there was a game in the back
If you wanted to shot or somethin' you went and talked to Jack
If you had a little money you was a grade A fool
There was a guy down there who used to shoot a little pool
Rack 'em up
Rack 'em up
He didn't own a TV set, didn't own a car
He ate what whatever Jack was makin' back behind the bar
They said he had a wife, but she left him in tears
He hadn't been home in twenty five years
Rack 'em up
They came from all over thinkin' they we're pretty hot
Put all their money on the table, want to play the best we got
Nine in the corner, five in the side
Take a hundred dollar bill and just let it ride
I tell him listen son, ain't no disaster
There ain't no shame in being beat by a master
The song Rack 'Em Up by Jonny Lang is a soulful depiction of the lifestyle of the old pool hall culture. The singer reminisces about spending time at Jack's pool hall, where they did not do much except play some cards or shoot some pool. The singer talks about the life of a man who spent all his time at the pool hall, eating food cooked by Jack and sleeping there. He did not have a car or a TV set, and his wife had left him 25 years ago, leaving him with tearful eyes. He did not have a lavish lifestyle and spent his days playing pool, wowing everyone who stopped by at the pool hall.
The chorus, Rack 'em up, is a slogan that the pool players all knew and understood, expressing the routine of their lives, day in and day out. It's a song that captures the essence of the pool hall culture, where people from all walks of life come together to play and compete. The lyrics highlight an intriguing character who has probably lived his entire life in the pool hall, and the story of his life is narrated through the song.
Overall, the song is an excellent representation of the lifestyle, hopes, and dreams of people who found solace and companionship in the pool hall. It's an ode to the underbelly of society, the people society often overlooks, but who have their own unique stories and experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to hang out down at Jack's Pool Hall
I used to spend my time loitering at Jack's Pool Hall
You go down there and don't do nothin' at all
People hang around there just to pass their time without any intention of doing anything productive.
If you wanted to play some cards there was a game in the back
If someone wanted to play cards, they could find a game going on in the back.
If you wanted to shot or somethin' you went and talked to Jack
If someone wished to drink or had any similar requests they approached Jack, the owner of the pool hall.
If you had a little money you was a grade A fool
If someone had enough money to spend for leisure, he or she was a complete fool.
There was a guy down there who used to shoot a little pool
There was a guy in the pool hall who was terrific at the game of pool.
Rack 'em up
Start a new game, placing the balls in a triangle at one end of the pool table.
Till' the day he was dead that all they ever said
Even after his death, everyone remembered him as the unbeatable pool player.
He didn't own a TV set, didn't own a car
The pool player was poor and did not have a TV set or a car.
He ate what whatever Jack was makin' back behind the bar
He depended on Jack for food and ate whatever Jack made for himself and others in the bar.
They said he had a wife, but she left him in tears
Though he was married, his wife left him heartbroken.
He hadn't been home in twenty five years
The pool player had not visited his home in 25 years.
They came from all over thinkin' they we're pretty hot
People from different places would come with an air of confidence to challenge the pool player.
Put all their money on the table, want to play the best we got
People placed all their money on the pool table to challenge the pool player.
Nine in the corner, five in the side
The balls were made into certain designated pockets to gain points and win the game.
Take a hundred dollar bill and just let it ride
Risk your hundred-dollar bill for a chance to win more by playing a round of the game.
I tell him listen son, ain't no disaster
I urge the challenger by saying that losing to a master is no cause for disappointment.
There ain't no shame in being beat by a master
There is no disgrace if the challenger loses the game to a virtuoso.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRUCE B. MCCABE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind