1, Shaggy (born October 22… Read Full Bio ↴Shaggy is the name of, at least, two artists.
1, Shaggy (born October 22, 1969, in Kingston, Jamaica as Orville Richard Burrell), is a Jamaican reggae artist who takes his nickname from his shaggy hair. He is especially notable for his distinctive sub-baritone voice.
His family immigrated to the United States and they settled in the neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn, located in New York City, New York, USA.
In 1988, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served during Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War.
On his return from Iraq, he decided to pursue his music career and his first hit in 1993: "Oh Carolina", was a dancehall re-make of a ska hit by the Folkes Brothers. The same year, Shaggy appeared on Kenny Dope's hip hop album "The Unreleased Project". He worked together with producers such as Sting Intl., Don One (who cut his first track), Lloyd 'Spiderman' Campbell and Robert Livingston. He had further big hits, including "Boombastic" in 1995.
He then had a major comeback in 2001, featuring worldwide number-one hit singles "It Wasn't Me" and "Angel," the latter of which was built around Merrilee Rush's 1968 hit "Angel of the Morning" (which was remade in 1981 by Juice Newton). The album Hot Shot, from which those cuts came, would hit number one on the Billboard 200.
However, his 2002 release Lucky Day, and the 2005 album Clothes Drop failed to match Hot Shot's success.
Shaggy performed the theme for Showtime (film), a 2002 movie.
2, Shaggy, a swedish rock/blues rock band from the 1970's. Released one album, "Lessons for beginners"
John Doe
Shaggy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This one goes out to me mislead
To preserve the youths of tomorrow
Today is the time to stop all the unnecessary blood shed
Life of a gangster is not sweet
And I'm coming to you straight from the streets
This could be a story about anybody
But let's call him John Doe
[Chorus]
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Johnny was wicked ragamuffin and raw
Pull off a robbery but the cops he never saw
He got surrounded and they crushed him like a straw
John Doe went out like that
No, no, no
He heard them coming but he didn't get to flee
Wanted by the cops was living like a refugee
Do no evil think no evil try it and you will see
Bad boy and law man don't gree
[Chorus]
Wicker on the microphone that is where I get my vibe
Trying to hustle and make a dollar ain't got no 9 to 5
watching my back when going home and trying to stay alive
Got to strive, got to strive, got to strive
Johnny was a gangster well ain't life a bitch
Robbing with his homies then they got ditched
Thought he was the man but he was rolling with a snitch
All he wanted to do was get rich
[Chorus]
Lets do this one positively
This one goes out to me mislead
To preserve the youths of tomorrow
Today is the time to stop all the unnecessary blood shed
Life of a gangster is not sweet
And I'm coming to you straight from the streets
This could be a story about anybody
But let's call him John Doe
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Shaggy's song "John Doe" narrate a story of a young man who, due to his gangster lifestyle, meets an unfortunate end. The song is meant as a warning to young people who may be seduced by the glorification of gangster culture.
The singer begins by stating that the song is meant to be positive, speaking to the misguided youths of society. He asks for a halt to the senseless violence and bloodshed in our communities. The chorus repeats the phrase "Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw, Another youth get murder a victim of the law," to highlight the dangers of gang activity.
The story of John Doe is told in the verses of the song. He was a criminal who had pulled off robberies in the past, but this time, he was surrounded by the police and had no escape. As he tried to flee, he was killed by the cops. The singer notes that John Doe was living like a refugee, always looking over his shoulder, and ultimately met his end because of the lifestyle he chose.
The song ends with a plea to preserve the youths of tomorrow and to stop the unnecessary bloodshed. The chorus is repeated, driving home the warning. "John Doe" is a cautionary tale that sheds a light on the harsh reality of gang life and its consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Lets do this one positively
Let us approach this with a positive attitude.
This one goes out to me mislead
This song is meant for those who have been misled in life.
To preserve the youths of tomorrow
It is important to protect the younger generation from harm.
Today is the time to stop all the unnecessary blood shed
The present is the right moment to put an end to all the violence and killing that is unnecessary.
Life of a gangster is not sweet
Being a gangster is not a pleasant or enjoyable way of life.
And I'm coming to you straight from the streets
I am speaking to you as someone who has firsthand experience of the streets.
This could be a story about anybody
This narrative has the potential to apply to any individual or situation.
But let's call him John Doe
We shall refer to the artist of the story as John Doe.
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
A young man with a criminal disposition was killed by the police when they acted quickly.
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
The law system was responsible for the death of another young person.
Johnny was wicked ragamuffin and raw
John Doe was a troublesome, unkempt person with a bad reputation.
Pull off a robbery but the cops he never saw
John Doe stole something, but he did not manage to escape the attention of the police.
He got surrounded and they crushed him like a straw
John Doe found himself surrounded by police who took him down effortlessly.
John Doe went out like that
John Doe was defeated and apprehended without putting up much of a fight.
No, no, no
This situation was unfortunate and could have ended differently.
He heard them coming but he didn't get to flee
John Doe was aware of the approaching police but was not fast enough to run away.
Wanted by the cops was living like a refugee
John Doe was living in hiding because he was being hunted by the police.
Do no evil think no evil try it and you will see
A morally upright and just life is not only feasible but also rewarding.
Bad boy and law man don't gree
Conflict and hostility exist between law enforcers and criminals.
Wicker on the microphone that is where I get my vibe
I gain my inspiration and energy from performing on the microphone.
Trying to hustle and make a dollar ain't got no 9 to 5
I work hard to earn money without having a conventional 9-5 job.
watching my back when going home and trying to stay alive
I have to be vigilant and cautious as I navigate my way home and stay safe from harm.
Got to strive, got to strive, got to strive
I have to put forth effort and work hard to achieve my goals and aspirations.
Johnny was a gangster well ain't life a bitch
John Doe was involved in criminal activity, which is a difficult and unpleasant reality of life.
Robbing with his homies then they got ditched
John Doe and his accomplices were stealing together, but he was betrayed and abandoned by them.
Thought he was the man but he was rolling with a snitch
John Doe believed himself to be powerful and in control, but he was working with someone who betrayed him.
All he wanted to do was get rich
John Doe was motivated by the desire to amass wealth and become rich.
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network
Written by: ORVILLE BURRELL, DAVE KELLY, AUTHOR UNKNOWN COMPOSER, David Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lionheart_RaStA
[Intro]
Let's do this one positively
This one goes out to me mislead
To preserve the youths of tomorrow
Today is the time to stop all the unnecessary blood shed
Life of a gangster is not sweet
And I'm coming to you straight from the streets
This could be a story about anybody
But let's call him John Doe
[Chorus]
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
[Verse 1]
Johnny was wicked ragamuffin and raw
Pull off a robbery but the cops he never saw
He got surrounded and they crushed him like a straw
John Doe went out like that
No, no, no
He heard them coming but he didn't get to flee
Wanted by the cops was living like a refugee
Do no evil think no evil try it and you will see
Bad boy and law man don't gree
[Chorus]
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
[Verse 2]
Wicker on the microphone that is where I get my vibe
Trying to hustle and make a doller ain't got no 9 to 5
Watching my back when going home and trying to stay alive
Got to strive, got to strive, got to strive
Johnny was a gangster well ain't life a bitch
Robbing with his homies then they got ditched
Thought he was the man but he was rolling with a snitch
All he wanted to do was get rich(ME)
[Chorus]
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
[Verse 3]
Johnny was wicked ragamuffin and raw
Pull off a robbery but the cops he never saw
He got surrounded and they crushed him like a straw
John Doe went out like that
No, no, no
He heard them coming but he didn't get to flee
Wanted by the cops was living like a refugee
Do no evil think no evil try it and you will see
Bad boy and law man don't gree
[Chorus]
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Stace_millz Miller
OMG!!! I have been searching for this song for over 3 years! Thank you soooo much for posting this!! I'm soo happy right now!
lionheart_RaStA
[Intro]
Let's do this one positively
This one goes out to me mislead
To preserve the youths of tomorrow
Today is the time to stop all the unnecessary blood shed
Life of a gangster is not sweet
And I'm coming to you straight from the streets
This could be a story about anybody
But let's call him John Doe
[Chorus]
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
[Verse 1]
Johnny was wicked ragamuffin and raw
Pull off a robbery but the cops he never saw
He got surrounded and they crushed him like a straw
John Doe went out like that
No, no, no
He heard them coming but he didn't get to flee
Wanted by the cops was living like a refugee
Do no evil think no evil try it and you will see
Bad boy and law man don't gree
[Chorus]
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
[Verse 2]
Wicker on the microphone that is where I get my vibe
Trying to hustle and make a doller ain't got no 9 to 5
Watching my back when going home and trying to stay alive
Got to strive, got to strive, got to strive
Johnny was a gangster well ain't life a bitch
Robbing with his homies then they got ditched
Thought he was the man but he was rolling with a snitch
All he wanted to do was get rich(ME)
[Chorus]
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
[Verse 3]
Johnny was wicked ragamuffin and raw
Pull off a robbery but the cops he never saw
He got surrounded and they crushed him like a straw
John Doe went out like that
No, no, no
He heard them coming but he didn't get to flee
Wanted by the cops was living like a refugee
Do no evil think no evil try it and you will see
Bad boy and law man don't gree
[Chorus]
A rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
Rude boy get murder cops were quicker on the draw
Another youth get murder a victim of the law
𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓡𝓸𝓬𝓴(𝓖𝓔𝓡)©
Thank you, sir.
Kirt Alexander
When dancehall was dancehall. Still fresh in 2019 and onward.
Malachi Latroy
still fresh in 2021
scantronbeats
OMG I remember hearing this track around my house when I was just a kid
Dj Goofy
This was one of them big tunes that disappeared throughout musical history.
Hanoek Visser
Was looking for this one soooo long ever since I heard it at Easy Times in Amsterdam The good old days ...and now thanks to google I finally figured the title of the song LOL Happy like a kid in the candy store
jackie wilson
i loved this song in 97-98
Kima Hector
Me too that's why I found it 😂 after so long