Jack
Sixwire Lyrics
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(He) picks up his paper and he throws you a wave
An ordinary man—seems like a heck of a guy
An average day in his average life
He hugs his kids and he kisses his wife
Then drives his minivan to his nine-to-five
No one knew a thing 'til they caught him on tape
Breaking into cars at the YMCA
Chorus:
Did you hear about Jack?
Everybody's talking
It wasn't such a straight and narrow line he was walking
No one can believe he would ever do a thing like that
But then you don't know Jack
There's more to this story that we haven't heard yet
But it seems our friend Jack had some gambling debt
That got out of hand—and he couldn't pay
And his eighty grand a year doesn't cover his bills
When he spends it all on prostitutes and pills
But a desperate man is gonna find a way
A wallet lying on the front seat of a car
Couldn't solve all his problems
But it's a good start
(Chorus)
Late last night, Jack went for a drive
He had a revelation down on I-65
He'd be worth more dead
Than he was alive
Did you hear about Jack?
It's all over town
They're not really sure about the way it went down
No one can believe he would ever do a thing like that
But then you don't know Jack
No you don't know Jack
The song “Jack” by Sixwire is a narrative song about a seemingly average and friendly neighbor named Jack. The first verse describes Jack as a family man who commutes to work every day, but then the second verse reveals that he has fallen into financial troubles due to his gambling addiction and expensive habits. He attempts to solve his financial problems by breaking into cars at the YMCA, and later goes for a drive late at night where he contemplates suicide.
The chorus emphasizes the shock and disbelief of those around Jack, who had no idea about his life of crime and desperation. The song concludes with the line “But then you don’t know Jack,” which serves as a reminder that people can never truly know everything about one another.
“Jack” is a cautionary tale about the consequences of addiction and desperation, and the ways in which individuals can be driven to commit unthinkable acts. The song is notable for its storytelling style and the way in which it gradually uncovers a hidden aspect of the character.
Line by Line Meaning
Jack is your neighbor—you see him every day
Jack is a person who is your neighbor, and as a result, you tend to see him every day.
Picks up his paper and he throws you a wave
Jack retrieves his newspaper, and when he sees you, he greets you by waving his hand.
An ordinary man—seems like a heck of a guy
Jack is an average person who appears to be a great guy.
An average day in his average life
Jack leads a standard life with no significant happenings.
He hugs his kids and he kisses his wife
Jack embraces his children and smooches his wife.
Then drives his minivan to his nine-to-five
Jack drives a minivan to his job that starts in the morning and ends in the evening.
No one knew a thing 'til they caught him on tape
No one was aware of Jack's conduct until he was captured on video.
Breaking into cars at the YMCA
Jack was caught breaking into cars parked at the YMCA.
Did you hear about Jack?
People talk about Jack.
Everybody's talking
Many people are discussing Jack's behavior.
It wasn't such a straight and narrow line he was walking
Jack's activities were not entirely ethical and lawful.
No one can believe he would ever do a thing like that
People are surprised that Jack would engage in such conduct.
But then you don't know Jack
People don't know Jack thoroughly.
There's more to this story that we haven't heard yet
The story of Jack's misdeeds may have more to it.
But it seems our friend Jack had some gambling debt
Jack may have owed money from gambling.
That got out of hand—and he couldn't pay
Jack was no longer able to pay off his significant gambling obligations.
And his eighty grand a year doesn't cover his bills
Jack's income of ÂŁ80,000 annually wasn't enough to pay his costs.
When he spends it all on prostitutes and pills
Jack consumed his money on prostitutes and drugs.
But a desperate man is gonna find a way
An individual in a desperate situation would do what it takes to get out of it.
A wallet lying on the front seat of a car
A victimless crime scenario would be when a wallet is left in plain sight in an unsecured automobile.
Couldn't solve all his problems
Stealing a wallet couldn't solve all of Jack's troubles.
But it's a good start
Although it couldn't solve everything, stealing a wallet provided Jack with some quick cash.
Late last night, Jack went for a drive
Jack went for a ride late at night.
He had a revelation down on I-65
Jack had an epiphany while he was driving on I-65.
He'd be worth more dead
Jack felt that he would be more valuable to his dependents if he were dead.
Than he was alive
Jack's potential as a dead person to support his family was greater than while he was living.
It's all over town
News of Jack's suicide has spread widely.
They're not really sure about the way it went down
People are uncertain about the circumstances surrounding Jack's death.
But then you don't know Jack
As the saying goes, people don't always know the real story.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDY CHILDS, STEVE MANDILE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind