Moritat
Sonny Rollins Lyrics

Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
The criminal world is dangerous and unpredictable, much like a shark with its sharp and shiny teeth.

And it shows them pearly white
The danger and violence of the criminal world are often hidden and disguised, much like how a shark's teeth look innocent and white.

Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe
Even a small weapon like a jackknife can be deadly in the hands of a dangerous criminal like MacHeath.

And he keeps it, ah, out of sight
MacHeath knows the importance of keeping his weapon hidden from police and other enemies.

Ya know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
When a criminal strikes, they can cause chaos and destruction.

Scarlet billows start to spread
The aftermath of a violent crime can be messy and bloody.

Fancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babe
MacHeath understands the importance of looking stylish and elegant, even while committing crimes.

So there's never, never a trace of red
MacHeath takes care to avoid leaving any evidence, such as blood stains, behind at a crime scene.

Now on the sidewalk, huh, huh, whoo sunny morning, un huh
The contrast of a bright, sunny morning with the darkness of a violent crime is jarring.

Lies a body just oozin' life, eek
The gruesome reality of a murder is highlighted by the vivid description of a body oozing blood and life.

And someone's sneakin' 'round the corner
The unknown, anonymous nature of criminal activity is emphasized by the mysterious figure sneaking around a corner.

Could that someone be Mack the Knife?
The suspicion that MacHeath is behind the violence adds to his dangerous reputation.

There's a tugboat, huh, huh, down by the river dontcha know
The setting of the criminal activity is often near water, a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of crime.

Where a cement bag's just a'drooppin' on down
Even innocuous objects like a cement bag can be used for criminal purposes, such as weighting down a dead body in the river.

Oh, that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear
The criminal mind is always thinking ahead, using everyday objects for sinister purposes.

Five'll get ya ten old Macky's back in town
The return of MacHeath means that crime and danger have returned to the town as well.

Now d'ja hear 'bout Louie Miller? He disappeared, babe
The disappearance of Louie Miller is a reminder of the violent and unpredictable nature of the criminal world.

After drawin' out all his hard-earned cash
Louie's death may have been the result of a robbery or other criminal activity to obtain his money.

And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor
MacHeath's sudden wealth may be due to criminal activity, and his carefree spending highlights the dangerous lifestyle of a criminal.

Could it be our boy's done somethin' rash?
The reckless behavior of a criminal like MacHeath can lead to impulsive decisions and dangerous consequences.

Now Jenny Diver, ho, ho, yeah, Sukey Tawdry
The names of other female criminals suggest that MacHeath is not alone in his dangerous lifestyle.

Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Even women can be dangerous in the criminal world, and these names may be pseudonyms or aliases used by female criminals.

Oh, the line forms on the right, babe
The popularity and notoriety of MacHeath draws a crowd, fascinated by the danger and excitement of the criminal world.

Now that Macky's back in town
The return of MacHeath means that danger and violence have once again come to the town.