Johnny Too Bad
Steve Earle Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Walkin' down the road with a pistol in your waist
Johnny Too Bad, woh oh oh
Walkin' down the road with a ratchet in your waist
Johnny Too Bad, woh oh oh

You're just robbin' and stabbin' and lootin' and shootin'
Johnny Too Bad
You're just robbin' and stabbin' and lootin' and shootin'

Johnny Too Bad

One of these days when you hear the voice say 'come'
Where you gonna run to, woh oh oh
One of these days when you hear the voice say 'come'
Where you gonna run to, woh oh oh

You're just runnin' to the rock for refuge
But there will be no rock

You're just runnin' to the rock for rescue
And there will be no rock

Overall Meaning

The Steve Earle song, "Johnny Too Bad" is a roots reggae-inspired tune that tells the story of a violent criminal who has no regard for the law or the consequences of his actions. The lyrics describe Johnny's careless attitude towards life, as he walks down the road with both a pistol and ratchet in his waist. He is portrayed as a dangerous figure who robs, stabs, loots and shoots without remorse. The repetition of the phrase "Johnny Too Bad" throughout the song emphasizes the notorious reputation of this criminal.

The chorus of the song warns Johnny of the repercussions of his actions. It speaks of "one of these days" when he'll be faced with the ultimate punishment for his crimes. When he hears the voice that calls him to account for his actions, he will have nowhere to run. The metaphor of the rock that Johnny runs to for refuge and rescue is a powerful one, as it symbolizes a safe haven from danger. However, the song suggests that Johnny's actions have caused him to burn all his bridges, as there will be no rock for him to run to.

Overall, Steve Earle's "Johnny Too Bad" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of a life of crime. The song highlights the fact that sooner or later, justice will be served, and there will be no escape from the consequences of one's actions.

Line by Line Meaning

Walkin' down the road with a pistol in your waist
You are confidently and fearlessly displaying your gun while walking on the road.

Johnny Too Bad, woh oh oh
You are Johnny and you have a notorious reputation in the society.

Walkin' down the road with a ratchet in your waist
You are carrying a deadly weapon, a ratchet, in addition to your gun while walking on the road.

You're just robbin' and stabbin' and lootin' and shootin'
Your activities consist mainly of thievery, stabbing, looting, and shooting.

Johnny Too Bad
You are still Johnny and haven't changed, even though your actions have led to trouble.

One of these days when you hear the voice say 'come'
One day, you will hear a call to judgment or be held responsible for your actions.

Where you gonna run to, woh oh oh
You will realize that there's no escape or hiding from consequences when judgment comes.

You're just runnin' to the rock for refuge
You are seeking shelter or protection from a higher power, but just like a rock offers no help or aid, similarly, there won't be any help for you.

But there will be no rock
You won't find solace or safety in anything or anyone, as your actions have left with no support.

You're just runnin' to the rock for rescue
Even though you can't escape judgment, you want someone or something to save you from the consequences you face.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: DERRICK CROOKS, HYLTON BECKFORD, TREVOR WILSON, WINSTON BAILEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS