Johnny
Lucky Dube Lyrics


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Johnny was a good boy
According to his mother
But when she wasn't looking yeah
Johnny became a bad boy
He got into drugs yeah
Oh poor Johnny
One day he double-crossed
And it cost him his life
She couldn't believe it
When she saw him lying on the ground
In a pool of blood yeah
Her only hope
Her only son she said
Oh Johnny

With her hands above her head
She cried Johnny Johnny
How can you do something like that to me
Oh she cried and said oh Johnny

Oh Johnny you broke my heart
Oh Johnny you made me cry cry
Oh Johnny you broke my heart
Oh Johnny you made me cry cry cry

Her only hope
Her only boy
Lying on the ground
In a pool of blood
She said Johnny remember
How I raised you boy
You could have been a doctor
You could have been a teacher
Oh Johnny

With her hands above her head
She cried and said Johnny Johnny
How can you do something like this to me Johnny Johnny Johnny

She said I took you to the best schools
In the country boy
Spent my last dime on you
Johnny
Thought you would be my shoulder
To cry on Johnny
Her only boy
Her only son
Lying on the ground
In a pool of blood
She couldn't hold back
Her tears
Oh Johnny

With her hands above her head
She cried Johnny Johnny
How can you do something like that to me
Johnny Johnny Johnny

Oh Johnny you broke my heart
Oh Johnny you made me cry cry
Oh Johnny you broke my heart
Oh Johnny you made me cry cry cry





Oh Johnny you broke my heart

Overall Meaning

In this heart-wrenching song, Lucky Dube depicts the tragic story of Johnny, a good child whose life took a turn for the worse due to drugs, betrayal, and ultimately death. Johnny's mother always considered him to be a good boy, but unfortunately, his addiction to drugs led Johnny down a path of destruction. Eventually, Johnny's gambling and addiction led him to double-cross someone, which ultimately cost him his life. When his mother learned of his death, she was devastated beyond measure, and her tears and cries reflect the pain of a mother who has lost her beloved son.


The lyrics of this song depict the reality of drug addiction and the destruction that it brings upon individuals and their loved ones. In addition, the song highlights the importance of parental guidance and the desperate need for children to have positive role models in their lives. Johnny's mother tried her best to raise him right, but ultimately her efforts were in vain because of the influence of drugs and bad company.


Overall, the song brings to the forefront the negative effects of drug addiction and underscores the need for society to address this problem in a holistic manner. The lyrics of the song suggest that there is hope for future generations, but it will require an unwavering commitment to tackling the root causes of addiction and promoting the benefits of wholesome living.


Line by Line Meaning

Johnny was a good boy
Johnny was a well-behaved child


According to his mother
His mother held him in high regard


But when she wasn't looking yeah
Johnny had a tendency to misbehave


Johnny became a bad boy
Johnny began engaging in negative activities


He got into drugs yeah
Johnny started using drugs


Oh poor Johnny
It was unfortunate what happened to Johnny


One day he double-crossed
Johnny betrayed someone's trust


And it cost him his life
Johnny lost his life as a result of his actions


She couldn't believe it
His mother was in shock


When she saw him lying on the ground
She was heartbroken to see him motionless


In a pool of blood yeah
There was a lot of blood on the ground


Her only hope
Johnny was her only source of optimism


Her only son she said
Johnny was her only child


With her hands above her head
His mother's arms were elevated


She cried Johnny Johnny
His mother was mourning


How can you do something like that to me
His mother felt betrayed by his actions


Oh she cried and said oh Johnny
His mother was grieving


Oh Johnny you broke my heart
His mother's heart was shattered


Oh Johnny you made me cry cry
She was shedding tears due to Johnny's loss


Her only hope
Johnny's mother had no one else to rely on


Her only boy
Johnny was the only male child in the family


Lying on the ground
Johnny was deceased and on the floor


In a pool of blood
Johnny's death was violent and bloody


She said Johnny remember
Johnny's mother was talking to his ghost


How I raised you boy
Johnny's mother took care of him


You could have been a doctor
Johnny could have been a successful professional


You could have been a teacher
Johnny could have inspired others academically


Oh Johnny
His mother was speaking directly to him


She said I took you to the best schools
She invested in his education


In the country boy
The schools he attended were among the best


Spent my last dime on you
She was willing to make sacrifices for him


Thought you would be my shoulder
She had expectations for his support


To cry on Johnny
She wanted him to be there for emotional support


She couldn't hold back
His mother couldn't contain her emotions


Her tears
She was crying profusely


Oh Johnny
His mother was still talking to him




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LUCKY PHILLIP DUBE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@nathaneal2542

I pray i never be that son whom makes her mama sad. To all those sons striving to be the best out of nothing. God bless you all and make your light shine.

@philanimtsha4142

As parents we do so much for our kids so that they can have a better future but the world is there!..waiting to corrupt young Minds. R.I.P Lucky dube, I LOVE THIS SONGS

@NeshaPlunkett

I use to say one day when I am a grown woman, I'd go to your concert,. But death came and stole you. I felt so cheated because I love your music you brought me through my own sadness and pain. Rest in tranquility Lucky Dube, forever loving you.๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ’•

@champolahyamio6006

Same here sister. I really wanted to go to one of his concerts , alas!!

@KingBabaJames

I was lucky enough to see him in concert twice in Washington DC. My friend introduced me to his music in 2002. Since then I was hooked.

@qedezakhemkhwanazi8664

What a message in this song Lucky was a very good composer all his song has a message

@lumbanikhembo8675

The legend
His music is full substance

@truthonlee7029

Forever missed RIP Lucky DUBE respect and love from Fiji

@orabsikenna6361

Truly a Legend

@SultanwaRooty

African Reggae Lion ,,,,,,,Legend ,,,,๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ™๐ŸฟR.I.P

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