DEAD OR ALIVE
Morrison Donegan & Barber Lyrics


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Well the new sheriff sent me a letter
Yes the new sheriff sent me a letter
He said, "Come up and see me dead or alive,
Come up and see me dead or alive".

Well it's a hard road dead or alive
It's a hard road dead or alive
Well it's a hard road dead or alive
It's a hard road dead or alive

Well I really don't like your hard rock hotel (yeah) sheriff
Well I really don't like your hard rock hotel, sheriff
Dead or alive, no sheriff
Dead or alive, no sheriff

Well it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive

Well he even sent me my picture
(Oh yeah, and hello)
He even sent me my picture
(Yeah yeah)

Hey, how do I look boy (wonderful)
Dead or alive?
How do I look boy (sweet) dead or alive?

It's a hard road dead or alive
It's a hard road dead or alive
Well, it's a hard road dead or alive
And it's a hard road dead or alive

Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive




Dead or alive
Dead or alive

Overall Meaning

The song "Dead or Alive" is a blues rock composition with a country feel to it, written and performed by the trio of Morrison Donegan & Barber. The song's lyrics are an interesting take on the subject of outlaws and the law officers that pursue them. The first line of the song indicates that the new sheriff sent a letter to the singer of the song "Come up and see me dead or alive." The phrase "dead or alive" can be seen as a reference to the posters that graced the walls of the old west towns, which showed the faces of outlaws who were wanted by law enforcement. The posters often offered a reward for the capture of the outlaw, saying they were wanted "dead or alive."


The singer, however, does not seem too interested in turning himself in, as evidenced by the second verse, which begins with "Well, I really don't like your hard rock hotel, sheriff." And then he repeats the phrase "Dead or alive, no sheriff." This phrase could be interpreted as a sly indication that the singer might be considering resisting arrest or running from the law. The third verse ends with the sheriff sending the singer his picture and asking him how he thinks he looks dead or alive.


Overall, the song's catchy beat, and the clever use of humorous lyrics combined with a country-western feel, make it an interesting blues rock composition. The lyrics, though simple, are subtly humorous, and the melody seems to evoke the feeling of the old west's pastoral settings. It's a great song for those looking for a light-hearted take on a genre typically characterized by heavier themes.


Line by Line Meaning

Well the new sheriff sent me a letter
The new sheriff communicated with me through a written message.


Yes the new sheriff sent me a letter
I received the letter sent by the new sheriff.


He said, "Come up and see me dead or alive, Come up and see me dead or alive".
The message conveyed by the sheriff was an invitation to meet him, with the implied threat that I should show up either way, whether alive or dead.


Well it's a hard road dead or alive It's a hard road dead or alive
The journey to meet the sheriff is going to be difficult and arduous, regardless of my state of being.


Well I really don't like your hard rock hotel (yeah) sheriff Dead or alive, no sheriff Dead or alive, no sheriff
I express my dislike towards the sheriff's accommodation, and also assert that his threats do not intimidate me, implying that I will not be forced into submission or compliance.


Well he even sent me my picture (Oh yeah, and hello) He even sent me my picture (Yeah yeah) Hey, how do I look boy (wonderful) Dead or alive? How do I look boy (sweet) dead or alive?
The sheriff has sent me my own photograph, which I examine and admire, even as I acknowledge his continued threat of harm to me, regardless of my physical state.


Dead or alive Dead or alive Dead or alive Dead or alive Dead or alive Dead or alive
The repetition of this phrase throughout the song serves to underscore the theme of the song, that the threat of harm and danger is ever present, regardless of state of being.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Y, BUFFY SAINTE MARIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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bluesy bruce

Where folk , blues and country meet ...

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