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Ruby Braff feat. Vic Dickenson Lyrics


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Oh, the shark has pretty teeth dear
And he shows 'em, pearly white
Just a jack knife has Macheath dear
And he keeps it way out of sight

When that shark bites with his teeth, dear
Scarlet billows they begin to spread
Fancy white gloves has Macheath dear
So there's never, never a trace of red

On the sidewalk, one Sunday morning
Lies a body, oozin' life
Someone's sneaking 'round the corner
Could that someone perhaps, per chance be Mack the Knife

From a tugboat, on the river going slow
A cement bag is dropping down
You know that cement is for the weight dear
You can make a large bet Macheath's in town

My man Louis Miller, he split the scene babe
After drawing out all the bread from his stash
Now Macheath spends like a sailor
Do you suppose this guy, he did something rash

Old Satchmo, Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darrin
They did this song nice, Lady Ella too
They all sang it, with so much feeling
That Old Blue Eyes, he ain't gonna add nothing new

But with this big, fat band, jumping behind me
Swinging hard, Jack, I know I can't lose
When I tell you, all about Mack the Knife babe
It's an offer, you can never refuse

We got Patrick Williams, Bill Miller playing that piano
And this wonderful, great big band, bringing up the rear
All these bad cats, in this band now
They make the greatest sounds, you're ever gonna hear

Oh Sookie Taudry, Jenny Diver, Polly Peachum, Old Miss Lulu Brown

Hey the line forms, on the right dear
Now that Macheath,that bum is back in town




You'd better lock your doors, and call the law
Because Mackie's back in town

Overall Meaning

The song "Mack The Knife" was originally written by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht for their 1928 "play with music," The Threepenny Opera. The lyrics of the song describe the dangerous and elusive criminal, Macheath, who is compared to a shark and a jackknife. While he is seen as charming and dapper, his actions result in several deaths and he is constantly being pursued by law enforcement. The song tells a story of violence, corruption, and fear, and has been covered by many popular artists, including Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin, and Ella Fitzgerald.


The first verse uses imagery of a shark's teeth to describe Macheath's danger and his ability to hide his violent tendencies. The second verse describes the aftermath of his violence, with "scarlet billows" representing blood and his gloves hiding any evidence of his crimes. The third verse introduces the idea of Macheath being back in town and the fear that he instills in the community. The fourth verse includes a description of a killing that may have been carried out by Macheath.


The final verses are a list of characters who are associated with Macheath and his criminal activities. They warn the listener to lock their doors and call the law because Macheath has returned to town.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, the shark has pretty teeth dear
The person in question is charismatic and dangerous, like a shark with attractive teeth.


And he shows 'em, pearly white
He is confident in displaying his charm, even if it is dangerous.


Just a jack knife has Macheath dear
Macheath holds a knife as his weapon of choice.


And he keeps it way out of sight
Macheath is secretive about his weapon of choice and only brings it out at the right time.


When that shark bites with his teeth, dear
When the person in question strikes with their charm, it is with great impact.


Scarlet billows they begin to spread
Their charm is intense, and it can have far-reaching consequences.


Fancy white gloves has Macheath dear
Macheath is careful to ensure that there is no blood on his gloves.


So there's never, never a trace of red
There is no evidence left behind when Macheath is around.


On the sidewalk, one Sunday morning
A dead body is lying on the street.


Lies a body, oozin' life
The body has recently lost its life, and there is blood spilling out.


Someone's sneaking 'round the corner
Someone is lurking around the corner, possibly the one who committed the murder.


Could that someone perhaps, per chance be Mack the Knife
Macheath is the probable suspect.


From a tugboat, on the river going slow
A boat passes by in the calm river.


A cement bag is dropping down
A bag of cement falls into the water from the boat.


You know that cement is for the weight dear
The cement is meant to be used to hide something heavy.


You can make a large bet Macheath's in town
Macheath is usually up to no good when he comes to town.


My man Louis Miller, he split the scene babe
Macheath's friend Louis Miller left suddenly.


After drawing out all the bread from his stash
Louis took all his money from his hiding spot before leaving.


Now Macheath spends like a sailor
Macheath is spending more money than usual.


Do you suppose this guy, he did something rash
It is possible that Louis took a risk that caused him to leave town so suddenly.


Old Satchmo, Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darrin
Famous singers of this song were Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darrin and Ella Fitzgerald.


They did this song nice, Lady Ella too
Ella Fitzgerald also sang this song exceptionally well.


They all sang it, with so much feeling
This song is a powerful one, and they all sang it with immense emotion.


That Old Blue Eyes, he ain't gonna add nothing new
Frank Sinatra's rendition will likely not be any different from the previous singers' versions.


But with this big, fat band, jumping behind me
Ruby Braff has a group of talented musicians playing with him.


Swinging hard, Jack, I know I can't lose
With his band's backing, Ruby Braff knows that he will do well in this performance.


When I tell you, all about Mack the Knife babe
This performance will include a strong tale about the character of Macheath.


It's an offer, you can never refuse
This recommended listening experience is one of high quality that should not be missed.


We got Patrick Williams, Bill Miller playing that piano
Musicians Patrick Williams and Bill Miller are accompanying the performers.


And this wonderful, great big band, bringing up the rear
The large musical ensemble will provide excellent accompaniment for the performers.


All these bad cats, in this band now
The band is comprised of talented musicians.


They make the greatest sounds, you're ever gonna hear
The musicians will create some of the best music you have ever heard.


Oh Sookie Taudry, Jenny Diver, Polly Peachum, Old Miss Lulu Brown
These are the names of some of the characters from the original musical based on Macheath.


Hey the line forms, on the right dear
Those who want to listen to this performance should form an orderly line on the right side.


Now that Macheath,that bum is back in town
Macheath has returned, and people must keep an eye on their possessions and homes.


You'd better lock your doors, and call the law
It is important to stay safe and call for help if necessary.


Because Mackie's back in town
Macheath's presence is something to be wary of since he may cause trouble.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DANIEL HUNT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@robkuiters

Vic is a goat ......... greatest of all time !

@Trombonology

"Lover, Come Back to Me": Go, Vic!

@mrjimmienoone2130

Mein Gott, Pee Wee! Für mich auf einer Stufe mit Lester Young, Willie Smith, Bix Beiderbecke, Bobby Hackett, Erroll Garner und all den grossen Romantikern, die uns gezeigt haben, wie man Balladen spielt. 

@johnsmithjohnny8588

Hoffmann...you is da mannnnn....😁

@magdebretagne6200

😍

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