Hanging Johnny
The Jolly Rogers Lyrics


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Oh, they call me Hangin' Johnny
Away, boys, away! They say I hangs for money
So hang, boys, hang!

They say I hung me mother away, boys, away!
Me sisters and me brothers
So hang, boys, hang!
They say I hang me granny away, boys, away
I'd hang the holy family so hang, boys, hang

They say I hung a copper away, boys, away
I gave him the long dropper
So hang, boys, hang

I'd hang the skipper and me mates
Away, boys, away all on the Devil's Gates
So hang, boys, hang

Well, I never hangs for money
Away, boys, away
Cause hangings bloody funny!
So hang, boys, hang

They call me Hangin' Johnny away, boys, away




They call me Hangin' Johnny
So hang, boys, hang

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Hanging Johnny" by The Jolly Rogers depict a character named Hangin' Johnny who is portrayed as a notorious and unrepentant criminal. In a defiant manner, Hangin' Johnny embraces his reputation as a hangman, asserting that he hangs people for money and finds amusement in it.


The song begins with Hangin' Johnny stating that he is called by that name because he is known for hanging people. He mockingly encourages his fellow criminals to join him in embracing their fate by hanging themselves. He claims that he has hanged his own mother, sisters, brothers, and even his granny, showing his lack of remorse or empathy. Hangin' Johnny further declares that he would not hesitate to hang anyone, even the holy family or a police officer, emphasizing his utter disregard for authority and the consequences of his actions.


In the following verse, Hangin' Johnny asserts his willingness to hang the ship's captain and his mates, suggesting that he doesn't discriminate when it comes to executing his dark deeds. He takes pleasure in the idea of sending them to the depths of hell through the Devil's Gates.


The final lines of the song serve as a twist, revealing that Hangin' Johnny does not actually hang people for money. He claims hanging is "bloody funny" and finds amusement in the concept. This suggests that his entire persona as Hangin' Johnny may be a facade or exaggeration, meant to entertain and provoke a reaction.


Overall, "Hanging Johnny" portrays a character who revels in his criminal reputation and lack of moral boundaries. Through dark humor and defiance, the song explores themes of rebellion, subversion of authority, and the ambiguity of personal identity.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, they call me Hangin' Johnny
They refer to me as Hangin' Johnny


Away, boys, away! They say I hangs for money
Go away, boys, go away! They claim that I am executed for financial motives


So hang, boys, hang!
Therefore, execute me, boys, execute me!


They say I hung me mother away, boys, away!
They allege that I hanged my mother, separate from us, boys, far away!


Me sisters and me brothers
My sisters and brothers


So hang, boys, hang!
So execute them, boys, execute them!


They say I hang me granny away, boys, away
They claim that I hanged my grandmother, separate from us, boys, far away


I'd hang the holy family so hang, boys, hang
I would even execute the sacred family, so execute them, boys, execute them


They say I hung a copper away, boys, away
They say that I hanged a police officer, separate from us, boys, far away


I gave him the long dropper
I used a long rope to hang him


So hang, boys, hang
So execute him, boys, execute him


I'd hang the skipper and me mates
I would execute the captain and my friends


Away, boys, away all on the Devil's Gates
Go away, boys, go away, all heading towards the gates of hell


So hang, boys, hang
So execute them, boys, execute them


Well, I never hangs for money
Well, I never gets executed for money


Away, boys, away
Go away, boys, go away


Cause hangings bloody funny!
Because executions are extremely amusing!


So hang, boys, hang
So execute, boys, execute


They call me Hangin' Johnny away, boys, away
They refer to me as Hangin' Johnny, separate from us, boys, far away


They call me Hangin' Johnny
They refer to me as Hangin' Johnny


So hang, boys, hang
So execute me, boys, execute me




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@user-nh4zm6xj5d

Good to see more from you guys, always cheers me up

@erikghostwoodandthecrew6484

nice

@papaduck5251

im glad you guys specified that this is about a guy working with the sails, because i was thinking 'man, even for an executioner this guy's pretty prolific'

good song as always, though!

@TheJollyRogers

The man does seem to love his work... 😉

@papaduck5251

@@TheJollyRogers well, i guess if you love your work, you'll never work a day in your life!

@Starroid

Always love these shanties. Any chance you guys could do a cover of binks's sake from one piece?

@TheJollyRogers

Fun song! We'll have to keep it in mind!

@elin_orion_3277

Good song ♪⁠~ฅ⁠^⁠•⁠ﻌ⁠•⁠^⁠ฅ~♪

@MasterArchfiend

I just choose the oddest music to listen to as I write wholesome fanfics, but it works so I’m not complaining.

@crossbo5345

whoa whoa there buddy, you're starting to sound like Monika from ddlc...

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