Josephina
Paul Kelly Lyrics


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Won't you come out and play, Josephina?
I missed you all yesterday, Josephina
Tell your boss you need the afternoon off
To go and visit a sick friend
You know it wouldn't be a lie, not at all untrue
'Cause I'm down with a fever for you

I love your sweet hip shake thing, Josephina
The out-of-tune way you sing, Josephina
I love the light and dark inside your eyes
And the waves of your laughter
I love your sudden clutch that says, "Oh, baby, put on the brake"
Just before your body starts to shake

To the market I'll go, Josephina
Buy some fresh fish for us both, Josephina
I'm gonna cook you up a red hot meal
We'll eat it on the verandah
And later on we'll play some old sweet and ragged tunes
And dance under the light of the moon, hey

I'll get a job really soon, Josephina
I know that's what you want me to do, Josephina
I'll save my money and I'll buy an old car
We'll head on up to the islands
I hear they're taking lots of people on all summer long
And when it's over we'll keep moving along

Won't you come over here, Josephina?
This old world is good when you're near, Josephina
I know some people say you should beware
I'm a ne'er-do-well time waster
But I know your mother likes me and I like her too
Oh, she's the spitting image of you

Won't you come out and play, Josephina?




I missed you all yesterday, Josephina
I love the way that you sway, Josephina

Overall Meaning

The song "Josephina" by Paul Kelly is a heartfelt expression of love and longing for a woman named Josephina. The lyrics depict a deep connection and affection towards Josephina, with the singer missing her and yearning for her presence. The chorus, "Won't you come out and play, Josephina? I missed you all yesterday, Josephina," reveals the singer's desire for Josephina's companionship and the joy she brings to his life.


The lyrics also highlight some delightful traits and moments shared with Josephina. The lines "I love your sweet hip shake thing, Josephina" and "The out-of-tune way you sing, Josephina" capture the singer's appreciation for her unique quirks and talents. The vivid description of her eyes, laughter, and physical reactions conveys the undeniable attraction and fascination the singer feels towards Josephina.


Furthermore, the lyrics suggest a future together, as the singer plans to prepare a special meal for her and dream about a life filled with music and adventure. The desire to find employment, save money, and embark on a journey to the islands showcases the singer's commitment to Josephina and their shared aspirations.


Overall, "Josephina" is a tender and heartfelt love song, celebrating the charm, chemistry, and dreams shared between two individuals.


Line by Line Meaning

Won't you come out and play, Josephina?
Please join me and spend time together, Josephina.


I missed you all yesterday, Josephina
I longed for your presence yesterday, Josephina.


Tell your boss you need the afternoon off
Inform your employer that you require time off in the afternoon


To go and visit a sick friend
In order to visit someone who is unwell


You know it wouldn't be a lie, not at all untrue
It would not be dishonest or false


'Cause I'm down with a fever for you
Because I have a strong desire for you


I love your sweet hip shake thing, Josephina
I adore your charming way of moving your hips, Josephina


The out-of-tune way you sing, Josephina
The unconventional way you sing, Josephina


I love the light and dark inside your eyes
I appreciate the combination of brightness and intensity in your eyes


And the waves of your laughter
And the infectious joy in your laughter


I love your sudden clutch that says, 'Oh, baby, put on the brake'
I adore when you grab hold of something and exclaim, 'Slow down, honey'


Just before your body starts to shake
Right before you begin to move vigorously


To the market I'll go, Josephina
I will journey to the market, Josephina


Buy some fresh fish for us both, Josephina
Purchase fresh fish for both of us, Josephina


I'm gonna cook you up a red hot meal
I will prepare a passionately spicy meal for you


We'll eat it on the verandah
We will enjoy it on the open porch


And later on we'll play some old sweet and ragged tunes
Subsequently, we will play some nostalgic yet soulful songs


And dance under the light of the moon, hey
And dance beneath the moonlight, hey


I'll get a job really soon, Josephina
I will acquire employment very soon, Josephina


I know that's what you want me to do, Josephina
I am aware that fulfilling your wish is what you desire, Josephina


I'll save my money and I'll buy an old car
I will accumulate my finances and purchase a used car


We'll head on up to the islands
We will travel to the islands together


I hear they're taking lots of people on all summer long
I have heard that they are offering employment opportunities throughout the entire summer


And when it's over we'll keep moving along
And once it concludes, we will continue to journey forward


Won't you come over here, Josephina?
Would you please come closer to me, Josephina?


This old world is good when you're near, Josephina
The presence of your company makes this world a better place, Josephina


I know some people say you should beware
I am aware that some individuals advise caution


I'm a ne'er-do-well time waster
I am someone who tends to waste time and not achieve much


But I know your mother likes me and I like her too
However, I am aware that your mother holds a favorable opinion of me, and I reciprocate her sentiment


Oh, she's the spitting image of you
Oh, she closely resembles you, Josephina


I love the way that you sway, Josephina
I admire the graceful manner in which you move, Josephina




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Maurice Kelly

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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