Punch and Judy
The Cascades Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

everybody loves to see
Judy, being mean to me
everybody here in town
know that I'm just Judy's clown

Refrain:
Oh, every place we ever go
everybody seems to know
well they know we're just
a Punch and Judy show

Judy make a fool of me
why can't she just let me be
even though I know the score
I keep coming back more

Refrain:
Oh, every place we ever go
everybody seems to know
well they know we're just
a Punch and Judy show

Bridge:
I wished, i knew why she act this way
we're like puppets in a play
Judy's play of being cruel
while i must act as a happy fool, happy fool

though i smile it hurts inside
even puppets have some pride
I would leave her if I could
if my heart were made of wood

Coda:
So everyday we'll give our show
and it always hurts me so
yes, we'll always be a Punch and Judy show
always be a Punch and Judy
always be a Punch and Judy show

Punch and Judy show
Punch and Judy show




Punch and Judy show
Punch and Judy show

Overall Meaning

The Cascades's song "Punch and Judy" is a poignant reflection on the dynamics of a toxic relationship that borders between love and hate. The singer sings about the hurt inflicted upon him by his partner Judy, who enjoys making a fool out of him in public. Despite his obvious distress and humiliation, the singer keeps coming back for more, unable to break free from the toxic cycle of their relationship. The lyrics describe the couple's dynamic as being akin to that of two puppets in a play, with Judy as the master puppeteer and the singer as the happy fool, unable to resist her cruel manipulations. Although the singer pines for a way out of this emotionally abusive relationship, he knows deep down that they will always be a "Punch and Judy show."


The song's haunting melody and the singer's poignant lyrics beautifully capture the emotional turmoil of being stuck in an abusive relationship. The chorus, "everybody seems to know well they know we're just a Punch and Judy show," highlights the public shame that the singer feels as their relationship plays out in front of others. Although the lyrics are personal, they are relatable to anyone who has struggled with the complexities of relationships, and the damage that they can inflict upon one's self-esteem.


Line by Line Meaning

everybody loves to see
People enjoy watching the singer and Judy interact, even if it's not always positive.


Judy, being mean to me
Judy often mistreats the singer, causing emotional pain.


everybody here in town
The entire community is aware of their dynamic.


know that I'm just Judy's clown
The artist is aware that Judy holds power over them and that they are reduced to being a comedic sidekick.


Oh, every place we ever go
This refrain emphasizes how universal the knowledge of their relationship is:


everybody seems to know
People are always aware of their act.


well they know we're just
Their relationship is so stereotyped that it's immediately recognizable.


a Punch and Judy show
Their behavior is reminiscent of the famous puppet show.


Judy make a fool of me
Judy often publicly humiliates the artist.


why can't she just let me be
The artist wishes they could avoid Judy's mistreatment.


even though I know the score
Despite being aware of the situation, the singer still feels trapped.


I keep coming back more
The artist struggles to break free from the cycle of abuse.


I wished, i knew why she act this way
The singer is confused and wants to understand why Judy acts the way she does.


we're like puppets in a play
The singer feels as though they have no control over their actions or fate.


Judy's play of being cruel
Judy seems to deliberately inflict emotional harm on the singer.


while i must act as a happy fool, happy fool
The artist is forced to pretend as though they are unaffected by Judy's treatment, the emotional equivalent of smiling through the pain.


though i smile it hurts inside
The artist is in emotional pain, even if they appear to be happy on the outside.


even puppets have some pride
The singer has a basic need for dignity and respect, regardless of their situation.


I would leave her if I could
If possible, the singer would remove themselves from the toxic relationship.


if my heart were made of wood
Unfortunately, the artist is emotionally invested in the relationship and cannot simply walk away.


So everyday we'll give our show
Despite their difficulties, the artist and Judy continue to perform for their audience every day.


and it always hurts me so
The artist is constantly in emotional pain as a result of their relationship with Judy.


yes, we'll always be a Punch and Judy show
Their relationship will likely continue in the same unhealthy pattern.


Punch and Judy show
The title phrase is a shorthand for the artist's entire experience with Judy.


Punch and Judy show
Repeating the title phrase emphasizes the cyclical nature of their relationship.


Punch and Judy show
The final repetition of the title phrase serves as a somber coda.


Punch and Judy show
The final repetition also emphasizes that their story is a familiar one.




Contributed by Michael N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@jhonusbah

Punch And Judy by Cascades Lyrics


Everybody laughs to see
Judy being mean to me
Everybody here in town
Knows that I'm just Judy's clown

Oh every place we ever go
Everybody seems to know
Well, they know we're just
A punch and Judy show

Judy makes a fool of me
Why can't she just let me be
Even though I know the score
I keep coming back for more

I wish I knew why she acts this way
We're like puppets in a play
Judy play that being cruel
While must act the happy fool

Though I smile it hurts inside
Even puppets have some pride
I would leave her if I could
If my heart were made of wood

So everyday we'll give our show
And it always hurts me so
Yes, well always be
A Punch and Judy

Always be A Punch And Judy Show
(Punch And Judy Show)
Punch And Judy Show
(Punch And Judy Show)



All comments from YouTube:

@lenitaquitorio259

One of my fav foreign singer and their songs since then.The Cascades.

@lysandrejakopina1936

Tombée par hasard sur cette chanson magnifique! Quelle chance!!!

@kylisraeltusay8375

Who else's listening to this on 2021?

@mariah3053

Me✌

@kylisraeltusay8375

@@mariah3053 yeheey❤️

@marilynmellizo9264

Wow !!?. Rare music 60’s❤️👍

@RaymondArias

I just watched a trailer for a film called "Judy & Punch", and that reminded me of this song.

@helenroth

The CasCades, mis Favoritos.  Gracias por compartir.  saludos desde CHILE

@juan58102

un ariqueno aca.... viviendo en Fargo N.D. !!!!!

@laniebernaldo588

i really love all of their song... 
i used to sing this song when i was in grade school together with my father

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