Jack of Diamonds
Michael Martin Murphey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've known you of old
You've robbed my poor pockets
of silver and gold
Beefsteak when I'm hungry
Rye whiskey when I'm dry
And Heaven when I die
Rye whiskey, rye whiskey
Rye whiskey I cry
If I don't get rye whiskey
I surely will die
Jack of diamonds, jack of diamonds
I've known you of old
You've robbed my poor pockets
of silver and gold
The first verse of Michael Martin Murphey's song Jack of Diamonds is addressed to the titular character, implying that the singer has long been familiar with him. The lyrics seem to suggest that Jack of Diamonds is a symbol of someone who has taken advantage of the singer's financial resources over the years. The singer accuses Jack of Diamonds of robbing him of both silver and gold, suggesting that he has taken advantage of the singer's wealth repeatedly.
The second verse suggests that the singer turns to material indulgences, including beefsteak, rye whiskey, and greenbacks, to cope with his financial troubles. The repetition of the phrase "rye whiskey" in the second half of the verse suggests a dependence on the substance. The final line of the verse implies that the singer looks to Heaven as a means of escape from his problems. The final verse repeats the idea of the first verse, accusing Jack of Diamonds of being a thief.
Line by Line Meaning
Jack of diamonds, jack of diamonds
Addressing the subject of the song, a personified jack of diamonds.
I've known you of old
I've been familiar with you for a long time, jack of diamonds.
You've robbed my poor pockets
You've taken my money, jack of diamonds.
of silver and gold
Specifically, you've taken away my precious metals and currency.
Beefsteak when I'm hungry
I rely on you, jack of diamonds, to provide me with food when I'm in need of sustenance.
Rye whiskey when I'm dry
Similarly, I turn to you for comfort in the form of alcoholic beverages when I'm feeling parched and hungover.
Greenbacks when I'm hard up
You, jack of diamonds, are also the source of funding when I'm in financial trouble and need paper money.
And Heaven when I die
Ultimately, I look to you to provide a means for me to reach Heaven when my mortal life ends.
Rye whiskey, rye whiskey
Repeating the aforementioned thirst for rye whiskey as a coping mechanism for life's struggles.
Rye whiskey I cry
I express my deep emotional need for rye whiskey with tears.
If I don't get rye whiskey
Stating that without rye whiskey, I am incapable of facing my personal demons and obstacles.
I surely will die
Without rye whiskey, I feel that death is inevitable.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind