Judy Is a Punk
The Ramones Lyrics
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Judy is a runt
They both went down to Berlin, joined the Ice Capades
And oh, I don't know why
Oh, I don't know why
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Second verse, same as the first
Jackie is a punk
Judy is a runt
They both went down to Berlin, joined the Ice Capades
And oh, I don't know why
Oh, I don't know why
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Third verse, different from the first
Jackie is a punk
Judy is a runt
They both went down to San Frisco, joined the SLA
And oh, I don't know why
Oh, I don't know why
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
The Ramones's song "Judy Is A Punk" is a classic punk rock tune with a catchy beat and a simple repetitive structure. The lyrics describe two young misfits, Jackie and Judy, who seem to be running away from something or searching for a purpose in life. They head to Berlin and join the Ice Capades, which are touring ice shows. The Ice Capades were a popular entertainment show in the US that combined ice skating performances and classic circus themes. The lyrics suggest that Jackie and Judy may be looking for excitement or adventure, but their actions may lead them to an early death. The repetition of the phrase "Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah" throughout the song suggests that there is an element of danger or unpredictability in their lives.
The third verse changes the setting from Berlin to San Francisco and introduces the SLA or Symbionese Liberation Army, a radical left-wing group that made headlines in the 1970s for their kidnapping of media heiress Patricia Hearst. The mention of the SLA in the lyrics suggests that Jackie and Judy are drawn to revolutionary movements or subcultures that challenge the mainstream. The repetition of the same lyrics and structure in each verse underscores the cyclical nature of their quest for meaning and purpose.
Overall, "Judy Is A Punk" is an upbeat, energetic song that captures the restless spirit of youth and the search for identity and belonging. The Ramones were one of the pioneering bands of punk rock, and this song exemplifies their irreverent, DIY ethos and their affinity for subverting mainstream culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Jackie is a punk
Jackie is a rebellious person who challenges authority
Judy is a runt
Judy is a small and physically weak person
They both went down to Berlin, joined the Ice Capades
They left their home to join a traveling ice skating show in Berlin
And oh, I don't know why
I don't understand their motivation for joining the Ice Capades or their future actions
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
There is a possibility that they will face dangerous consequences for their actions and rebellion
Second verse, same as the first
The second verse will repeat the same content as the first verse
They both went down to Berlin, joined the Ice Capades
They continue to be part of the traveling ice skating show in Berlin
Third verse, different from the first
The third verse will have a different story than the first two
They both went down to San Frisco, joined the SLA
They traveled to San Francisco and joined a radical political group called the SLA
And oh, I don't know why
I am uncertain of their motive for joining the SLA
Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah
This decision could lead to dire consequences, even death
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEE DEE RAMONE, DOUGLAS COLVIN, JEFFREY HYMAN, JOEY RAMONE, JOHN (RAMONE) CUMMINGS, JOHNNY RAMONE, THOMAS ERDELYI, TOMMY RAMONE
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